7 Types of Wound Dressings & How to Choose the Right One
08/10/25
Key Takeaways
There are 7 main types of wound dressing used in care environments:
Choosing the best dressing for an open wound depends on factors such as wound size, location, exudate level, and skin sensitivity.
Selecting the correct dressing helps to prevent infection, promote healing, and reduce pain during dressing changes.
Spearhead Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of dressings and first aid supplies, supported by expert advice and over 30 years of experience.
Stocking the Right Types of Wound Dressings
Providing the right care for wounds is a vital part of maintaining safety, comfort, and dignity within care environments. Whether you’re treating a minor cut or responding to a more serious injury, selecting the correct dressing can help protect the wound, prevent infection, and support faster healing.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 types of wound dressing available from Spearhead Healthcare, their uses, and how to choose the best dressing for an open wound or other common wound types.
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Looking for immediate advice on types of wound dressings or to place an order? Contact our sales team today to discuss your options and to get a prompt, no-obligation quote for bulk orders.
Why Choosing the Right Wound Dressing Matters
No two wounds are the same. The size, depth, location, and amount of exudate (fluid) all affect which type of dressing will offer the best protection and healing to the care home residents you provide care for. Using an unsuitable dressing can slow down healing, increase the risk of infection, or cause discomfort during dressing changes.
By understanding the properties of each dressing type, you can make informed decisions that promote better outcomes for residents and reduce the risk of complications.
Let's have a look at the types of wound dressing:
Sterile Gauze Swabs
Sterile gauze swabs are versatile, general-purpose dressings used to clean wounds, absorb exudate, and apply medication. They are a care home staple thanks to their adaptability and ease of use.
Best for:
Cleaning wounds to remove dirt or debris
Absorbing light exudate
Acting as a primary or secondary dressing
Key benefits:
Sterile and available in multiple sizes
Can be used on a wide range of wounds
Help keep wounds clean and infection-free
Care Tip: For wounds producing more fluid, pair with a more absorbent secondary dressing.
8 Ply Gauze Swabs
Similar to standard gauze swabs but thicker, 8 ply gauze swabs are designed to manage wounds with moderate to heavy exudate.
Best for:
Moderate to heavy drainage wounds
Packing deeper wounds
Post-surgical wound sites
Key benefits:
High absorbency for fluid-heavy wounds
Provides cushioning and protection
Reduces the frequency of dressing changes
Ambulance Dressing
Ambulance dressings are large, sterile dressings used to quickly cover and protect traumatic wounds. They are an essential part of any first aid kit, especially where rapid response is needed.
Best for:
Emergency trauma situations
Large wounds and bleeding injuries
Temporary cover before more specific dressings are applied
Key benefits:
Quick to apply
Large coverage area
Highly absorbent and protective
Sterile Island Dressing
Sterile island dressings have an adhesive border and a central non-stick pad (the ‘island’), making them perfect for small wounds or surgical sites.
Best for:
Post-surgical incisions
Small cuts or abrasions
Wounds that need protection but not bulky padding
Key benefits:
Self-adhesive - no extra tape needed
Sterile and easy to apply
Keeps wounds clean and protected
Low Adherent Dressing
Low-adherent dressings are designed to protect delicate or sensitive wounds without sticking to them, which minimises trauma during dressing changes.
Best for:
Burns and skin graft sites
Post-operative wounds
Fragile or sensitive skin
Key benefits:
Minimises pain when removed
Helps maintain a moist healing environment
Protects wound beds during early healing
Eye Pad Dressing
Specifically shaped to cover and protect the eye, these soft, padded dressings are used after eye injuries or procedures.
Best for:
Post-eye surgery care
Minor eye trauma
Protecting the eye from light, dust or debris
Key benefits:
Sterile and cushioned for comfort
Shaped to prevent pressure on the eye
Keeps the eye protected from external contamination
Finger Dressing
Finger dressings are small, pre-sized dressings designed to fit comfortably around a finger and protect minor wounds.
Best for:
Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions on fingers
Protecting wounds during day-to-day activities
Key benefits:
Sized for a snug fit
Allows movement without disrupting healing
Keeps out dirt and moisture
Finding the Best Dressing for an Open Wound
When choosing the best dressing for an open wound, consider:
Exudate level: Heavy drainage requires a more absorbent option like 8 ply gauze or an ambulance dressing.
Wound size and location: Smaller wounds benefit from easy-to-apply island or finger dressings.
Skin sensitivity: For delicate or fragile skin, low-adherent dressings minimise trauma during removal.
Infection risk: Always start with sterile products and change dressings regularly.
Need support choosing the right types of wound dressing options for use in your care environment? Talk to our sales team today.
Explore Spearhead’s Full Range of Dressings & First Aid Supplies
You can find the dressings mentioned in this article within our dedicated Dressings & Swabs section.
We also stock a full range of First Aid for Care Homes supplies to help you maintain safe, compliant care standards.
Our range is curated with care home teams in mind. With Spearhead you are guaranteed to receive reliable, high-quality products that meet industry regulations and the everyday needs of care home occupants.
So, Why Choose Spearhead?
At Spearhead Healthcare, we’ve been supporting care providers for over 30 years.
We pride ourselves on going beyond simply supplying products - we deliver solutions that improve quality of care and make day-to-day tasks easier for your care team.
Find out more about what sets us apart on our Why Choose Spearhead page.
Pop in to Our Showroom
Want to explore our range of wound care and first aid products in person?
Come and see our dedicated showroom, where our specialists can walk you through our most popular solutions and provide tailored recommendations for your care setting.
Spearhead Helps You Make Informed Choices
Selecting the right wound dressing can make a significant difference to healing times, infection control, and resident comfort. By understanding the different types of wound dressings, you can ensure every wound receives the right care from the start, and avoid creating issues that can be avoided if proper care is provided to residents.
Explore our complete Dressings & Swabs range, or speak to our friendly advisors for more advice.
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