If tissue damage occurs in a particular case, dressings must be applied to the injured area. Types of dressings are diverse, their type is selected depending on the place of cut, injury. The goals pursued by the application of dressings are also taken into account. There is a whole science that studies this technique - desmurgy.
Classification of dressings according to purpose
Injuries can be different: cuts, bruises. Often they are accompanied by bleeding and the entry of pathogens into the wound. Therefore, it is important to consider the functionality of the dressing. Types of dressings can perform a protective function, that is, protect the site of damage from infection. Medicinal dressings are also used. Often their bottom layer is saturated with the drug necessary for wound healing. A pressure dressing is used to stop the bleeding that has arisen.
Types of dressing
The most common material that surgery uses (dressings, types of other damage treatment methods) is gauze. It is a natural material, lightweight, hygroscopic. Among its advantages can be called the availability of material, easy sterilization. Bandages, napkins, balls of different diameters are made on the basis of gauze. Also used are dressings, plaster (bandages with layers of gypsum). Treatment of ulcers is not complete without zinc-gelatin materials. In this case, each layer is impregnated with a special zinc paste. It is worth noting that fabric dressings are used only if there are no gauze bandages. Dressings are also fixed in a certain way. Often this is an adhesive patch, adhesive, bandage. A kerchief view is also possible, T-like, sling-like. There are different types of dressings. The types of dressings that are used in most cases are circular, spiral bandage, cruciform, tortoise, as well as a crossed type.
Requirements for material that is in direct contact with the wound
Damaged skin and tissue carries a major danger - it is not able to withstand the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the body. Therefore, even a not very large wound can be dangerous to human health. The dressing that comes in contact with this area should not only contribute to blood coagulation, but also protect the site of damage from fungi, bacteria and viruses. As a rule, in such cases, sterile material is used. Dressings soaked with antibacterial drugs are also used. To protect the wound from mechanical damage, pressure, a layer of cotton or bandage rolled up in several layers is needed. All this should be firmly fixed, but at the same time not squeeze the damaged area.
How to dress minor wounds
The following types of wound dressings are possible, which are characterized by a mild degree of damage. For small cuts, other microtraumas, a band-aid is most often used. It should be with a bandage layer, which is applied directly to the wound. Sticky edges need to be fixed (but not too tight). You can also use a regular bandage. For cuts, applying the patch crosswise is best. In this case, it is worth fixing the wound tight, which will enable it to drag on. In cases with minor burns (reddened skin, mild pain), sterile gauze is used, which is fixed with adhesive tape. In this case, it must be controlled so that the edges of the tape do not come in contact with the burn. For blisters, there is a special dressing in which a cutout is provided in the center. After applying it, you can cover this area with a bandage so that the bursting bubble does not become a target for infection.
Serious Damage Handling
Pressing dressings are used to stop bleeding. The soft part of the gauze is placed in the center of the wound, around which a thin strip of material is wrapped. All this is fastened with adhesive tape or bandages. Damage occurs in which a foreign object (fragment, metal, etc.) remains in the wound. It is dangerous to extract it yourself. In such cases, a ring dressing is used. It is located around a third-party object and is fixed with a tape. Thus, the pressure in the wound is partially relieved. For damage such as a dislocation or a fracture, it is recommended to use triangular dressings. With their help, a sling is formed in which the tire is placed. For second-degree burns (diameter greater than 8 cm, soreness, swelling), a sterile gauze dressing is used, which prevents the penetration of infection.
Head bandage
There are such types of head dressings: cap, simple dressing, Hippocrates hat, eye and ear dressing. A simple dressing closes directly the arch of the skull. A strip of dressing is placed on the crown, the ends fall down. Then a circular dressing is performed. This is the easiest technique, but it does not have great strength. Cap - a similar technique, is performed using a circular motion until the entire hair is covered with a bandage. When applying the bandage “Hippocrates hat”, two bandages are used, one of which makes circular moves, and the other - back and forth movements. If the right eye is damaged, then the dressing is carried out from left to right (for the left eye, vice versa). The circular organ of the dressing closes the damaged organ of vision. In cases of damage to both eyes, a fixation circle is first made. Then, along the crown of the head, forehead, obliquely lowering the bandage, the left eye is closed. Then, from the bottom up, they close the right one in the same way. If ear ligation is necessary, then first perform several circles of the bandage around the head, then gradually lower the bandage below, covering the damaged area.
Dressings. Types of dressings of the abdomen, chest
In case of damage to the abdominal cavity, groin, buttocks, a spicular bandage is applied. First, they make several circular tours around the abdomen. Then the dressings are on the side, front, inner thigh. Next, the bandage passes along the back, rises up. Thus, several stages are accomplished. The dressing can be directed up or down. In a similar way, the entire inguinal region is ligated. This operation is performed with wide bandages. For the chest , eight-shaped types of dressings are used, a photo of which is given below. They begin it in the lower section, rising to the armpits. Then they move to the left shoulder, under the right armpit. Next, a circular move is performed, fixing the bandage.
Modern types of dressings
With extensive damage, it is possible to use dressings according to Mashtafarov. These types of surgical dressings are made of gauze (tissue) and repeat the shape of the affected area. Recently, the use of mesh-tubular elastic bandages is widespread. They do not cause discomfort, do not disrupt blood flow, and optimally allow air to pass through. With their help, you can bandage the damaged joint, head, abdomen, perineum and without special medical skills. This dressing is simply worn on the injured area. Be sure to put on the wound a sterile bandage (or soaked with special drugs). There are such types of knitted bandages: on the finger, foot, upper limbs, buttocks, hip, crotch, chest and abdomen. The use of special powders is also highly effective. These types of medical dressings are applied directly to the wound, they draw microbes from it, isolate the affected area without violating hygroscopicity. When using these materials, wounds heal much faster. They are removed using a swab soaked in saline.