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Wound Dressings and Accessories

Wound Dressings and Accessories Wound Dressings and Accessories

At Algeos, we offer a comprehensive range of wound dressings designed to support healing while prioritising comfort. 

Available in various sizes, shapes, and materials, our dressings include options with different adhesive types to suit individual clinical needs and provide added durability.

Our wound dressings are specifically developed to be non-adherent, helping to minimise pain and trauma during dressing changes. This makes them an ideal choice for managing sensitive or delicate wounds, such as burns, skin grafts, and foot ulcers. Whether you are a healthcare worker or caring for someone at home, our gentle wound dressings make treatment easier.

Wound Dressings

Types of Wound Dressings: A Guide to Choosing the Right Option

Wound dressings are an important part of medical care. They help protect wounds, promote healing, and lower the risk of infection. With many types of dressings available, it’s important to know their differences and uses. This is especially true when treating wounds of different severity.

Each type of dressing is made to keep a moist healing environment. This is important for tissue repair and cell growth. Choosing the right dressing for the right stage and type of wound can make a huge difference in outcomes.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common wound dressings and when they’re best used:

Gauze Dressings

These are the most widely used wound dressings, made from cotton or synthetic fibres. They’re great for superficial wounds and are highly absorbent. However, they can dry out and stick to the wound bed, which might slow healing or cause discomfort during removal.

Non-Adherent Dressings

Perfect for sensitive or delicate wounds such as burns, post-surgical wounds, or skin grafts. These dressings are designed not to stick to the skin, which helps minimise pain and trauma during dressing changes. However, they may not be suitable for wounds that produce a lot of fluid or show signs of infection.

Hydrocolloid Dressings

These are self-adhesive dressings ideal for wounds with low to moderate levels of exudate. They help maintain moisture at the wound site, which supports faster healing and can reduce pain. They’re often used for pressure ulcers and minor burns.

Foam Dressings

Made from soft, absorbent polyurethane, foam wound dressings are best for moderate to heavily exudating wounds. They offer cushioning and help reduce the risk of maceration, making them useful for chronic wounds and pressure sores.

Alginate Dressings

Formulated from natural seaweed, alginate dressings turn into a gel when in contact with wound fluid. They are great for managing wounds that have a lot of fluid. They help keep a good moisture level for healing.

Transparent Film Dressings

These ultra-thin dressings are waterproof and allow oxygen to pass through while keeping out bacteria. Because they’re transparent, they allow for easy monitoring without removal. Best used on shallow wounds or as a secondary dressing.

Hydrogel Dressings

These contain water or glycerin to hydrate dry or necrotic wounds. They’re soothing, reduce pain, and help to soften dead tissue, aiding the body’s natural autolytic debridement process.

Collagen Dressings

Collagen wound dressings are made from natural sources and work by stimulating new tissue growth and reducing inflammation. They’re often used in chronic or slow-healing wounds but may not be suitable for those with allergies to animal products.

Silver Dressings

These contain antimicrobial silver, which helps to fight infection in wounds at risk of bacterial growth. While effective, they should be used under guidance as prolonged use can affect healthy tissue.

Composite Dressings

These dressings combine different materials in one layer. They are made to treat complex wounds that need various types of care. This includes managing fluid, protecting against infection, and helping healing.


When to Use Advanced Wound Dressings

Some wound types—especially deep, infected, or slow-to-heal wounds—require specialist dressings. These include negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), biological dressings, and bioengineered skin substitutes. A clinician usually applies all of these.


Best Practices for Wound Dressing Care

Choosing the right dressing is just one part of effective wound care. Make sure to:

  • Clean the wound gently before application
  • Use the appropriate dressing for the wound type and healing stage
  • Monitor the wound regularly for signs of infection
  • Seek professional advice for severe, deep, or non-healing wounds

Knowing the different types of wound dressings and how to use them is important for anyone in wound care. This includes healthcare professionals and those caring for loved ones at home. For the best results, consult a wound care specialist to ensure the most suitable approach for each individual case.

Popular Dressings

Further Reading

  • Wound Dressinsgs

    April 30, 2025

    What is the best dressing for healing wounds?

    In the UK, wound care is an essential part of the NHS and is often managed by GPs, practice nurses and community healthcare teams. Choosing the right wound dressing can promote faster healing, improve comfort and essentially reduce complications. Below is a summary of the main dressing types used across NHS and community settings.
  • Hydrocolloid Dressing

    January 13, 2025

    Benefits of Hydrocolloid Dressings

    Hydrocolloid dressings are widely recognised in wound care for their ability to create a moist healing environment, which is crucial for tissue regeneration.

  • Diabetic Ulcer Test

    May 02, 2024

    Why Diabetic Foot Ulcers Dont Heal Fast

    Diabetes is one of the most common diseases amongst adults in the UK, affecting roughly 4.3 million people and responsible for 174 amputations every week. Diabetic foot ulcers occur in between 10% and15% of people living with diabetes and, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious complications for the individual.

  • Pressure Ulcers Areas

    September 29, 2022

    10 Things that Prevent Pressure Ulcers

    A pressure ulcer is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue, typically occurring when a person is confined to a bed or chair for prolonged periods of time. By disrupting the blood flow to an area under consistent pressure causes the skin to expand, which then develops into a pressure ulcer.