A gauze bandage is a non-sterile dressing that can be used to cover wounds, for example. Since these were not elastic in earlier times, the gauze bandage must actually be distinguished from the elastic bandages known today. However, most gauze bandages are now at least partially elastic.
What is a gauze bandage?
The gauze bandage is mostly used now only as a fixation for aseptic wound dressings. The term gauze bandage dates back to earlier times. At that time, bandages used to dress wounds or injuries still consisted mainly of bandages made of the material gauze. The word ‘gauze’ originates in Hindi and derives from the word ‘malmal’. This means in German ‘very soft’. The first gauze bandages were given to soldiers, who always carried them with them as a quick supply. Gauze is often also called gauze. This is a very light and thin fabric. This is created by the fact that the threads are very finely twisted together and woven. Today, the material is offered in a variety of designs and can thus be firmer, finer and also more flexible. However, since in the past there was only the inelastic gauze bandage, various dressing techniques had to be learned so that the wound dressing remained in place. Today, most of these techniques are only known to a limited extent.
Forms, types and kinds
As mentioned above, the gauze bandage as such is represented today in a wide variety of designs. In most cases, it differs in its strength and flexibility. There are still very thin and light gauze bandages, which, for example, are preferred for pressure-sensitive wounds – for example, minor burns. These often need to be protected from germs and harmful external influences, which makes it necessary to have a stable and secure, but also light and gentle bandage that is comfortable to wear. Injuries that need to be stabilized are dressed with firm and therefore often thick material. In addition, gauze bandages are nowadays mostly used only as a fixation for aseptic wound dressings. Wounds and injuries that require sterile dressing are usually treated with sterile dressings. These are characterized by the fact that the bandages or dressings are individually and sterilely packaged. Gauze bandages are also used in this case, which are firmly connected to a sterile overlay, for example. The material is then often somewhat firmer and more flexible than with an ordinary gauze bandage. In addition, gauze bandages are now available in different colors, in various widths and lengths, and even in self-adhesive form. This is to ensure that there is the right gauze bandage for every application.
Structure and mode of operation
A gauze bandage, or gauze as it is called in Switzerland, for example, usually consists of an average strip about 4 to 6 centimeters wide and 2 to 4 meters long. This is rolled up into a roll. This allows the gauze bandage to be applied quickly and easily as a dressing around a part of the body where there is a wound or other injury. Most often, germ-free dressings or compresses with ointments are fixed to injuries and wounds by means of a gauze bandage. The type of wound or injury that needs to be cared for usually determines which type of bandage is most appropriate. Injuries such as sprained or strained joints must be treated differently than open wounds or burns. Particularly in the latter cases of injury, it is imperative that a sterile type of bandage be selected. Ordinary gauze bandages or even reused bandages and compresses should not be used under any circumstances. In the case of injuries where no open wounds have occurred, however, ordinary gauze bandages can be used – even several times if necessary, although this is not recommended from a medical point of view. This is because gauze bandages quickly lose their shape and thus their stabilizing or protective effect. In addition, residues of ointments could always be found on a bandage that has already been used.
Medical and health benefits
Gauze bandages have the goal of treating injuries or protecting wound healing. This is done, for example, by fixing sterile and germ-free dressings on wounds or by stabilizing an injured part of the body.The type of care and dressing needed in the injury case at hand always depends on the nature of the injury. Some wounds only need to be protected by a light dressing that prevents germs and the like from entering them. Other injuries need to be supported, and still others just need a compress or pad to be reliably held in place. For this reason, gauze bandages are available today in countless variations and types: they are sometimes flexible and firm, sometimes light and gauzy, sometimes self-adhesive and sometimes sterile-packed. It is therefore advisable to always have a small selection of different dressing materials in the medicine cabinet. Most first-aid kits, first-aid sets and the like that are available in stores usually contain different types of gauze bandages. But: even gauze bandages – especially sterile variants – have an expiration date and should therefore be checked regularly for this.
