A compress is what medical professionals call a wound dressing that is used to stop bleeding or protect the wound from contamination. It can be made of different materials and is available in different sizes.
What are compresses?
There are different types of compresses, which are made of gauze, cloth or non-woven fabric. These are particularly suitable because they do not lint and also do not stick to the wound. Compresses are wound dressings used in medicine to cover wounds. This is done, for example, to stop the bleeding that has occurred or to reliably protect open wounds from the penetration of dirt and the resulting infections. There are different types of compresses, which are made of gauze, cloth or non-woven fabric. These are particularly suitable because they do not lint and also do not stick to the wound. Depending on the size and shape of the wound, compresses of different sizes can be used. They are usually fixed with a plaster and/or a bandage and changed regularly until the wound has healed sufficiently. Compresses are available sterile or non-sterile, depending on whether or not the wound being treated requires disinfection.
Function, effect and goals
A compress is used in medicine whenever a wound requires professional care and must be covered for a certain period of time. Open wounds in particular must not only be disinfected, but must also be properly covered afterwards so that no dirt particles can penetrate them. Contamination of the wound can result in serious infections, which can be prevented by a compress. Compresses are indispensable for first aid applications, as they enable wounds and injuries of all kinds to be treated quickly. Even the rapid application of a dressing or a short-term dressing change is possible with the help of these versatile aids. Not only open wounds can be treated with a compress. Injuries that require constant care with an ointment or antibiotic for application also benefit from a compress. So-called ointment dressings are provided with the appropriate medication on one side and applied to the affected area with this to ensure permanent administration of the active ingredients. Fleece compresses are particularly suitable for this type of wound care, as they can absorb liquid well and are thus also suitable for use in a moist/wet state. A special form of compress is the so-called cold-warm compress. These are used for injuries such as sprains, bruises, strains and the like. Here no miracle care or disinfection is necessary, but the affected area is treated with either cool or warm compresses to relieve swelling and pain. The attending physician decides whether cold or warm is appropriate for the particular injury. In addition to such therapy, immobilization or medication may be provided.
Risks and dangers
There are few risks associated with the application of a compress, provided it is applied properly and all hygienic standards are followed. A sterile compress may only be applied under equally sterile conditions – if the contact surface is touched with bare unwashed hands, germs can thus enter the wound and cause infection. This can cause complications for the patient and severely impair his health. A compress that is applied too tightly can also cause discomfort, such as pain, which could be avoided by proper application. If compresses made of unsuitable materials are applied – for example, because no others are available – there is a risk that this will lint, allowing foreign bodies to enter the wound. Such contamination can again lead to infection. Compresses must be changed regularly. This applies particularly to open wounds, as these would have to be cleaned and inspected at relatively short intervals. Otherwise, the material of the compress may stick to the wound as it heals and be difficult to remove, which is also very unpleasant for the patient.When used properly and professionally, a compress is a very low-risk option for wound care, with few side effects.
