A UK Guide for wound dressings

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 reduce complications. Below is a summary of the main dressing types used across NHS and community settings.

1. Gauze Dressings

Description: Woven or non-woven fabric dressings used for cleaning, packing, or covering wounds.

  • Used for minor cuts, abrasions and surgical incisions
  • May adhere to wound bed if not moistened

NHS Kent Community Health: Wound Dressings

2. Non-Adherent Dressings

Description: Coated dressings that prevent sticking to the wound.

  • Ideal for post-op wounds, abrasions, and skin grafts
  • Minimises trauma during dressing changes

3. Foam Dressings

Description: Polyurethane dressings that are highly absorbent and cushioning.

  • Commonly used for pressure ulcers and leg ulcers
  • Maintains moist wound environment and protects from shear

NHS North Yorkshire: Wound Dressing Guidelines

4. Hydrocolloid Dressings

Description: Dressings that interact with wound fluid to form a gel, helping to debride and protect the wound.

  • Used for low to moderate exudate wounds, including pressure sores
  • Flexible and conforming – good for awkward areas

5. Alginate Dressings

Description: Made from seaweed, these dressings turn into a gel when in contact with wound exudate.

  • Best for moderate to heavily exuding wounds
  • Often used in cavity wounds with a secondary dressing

6. Transparent Film Dressings

Description: Thin adhesive films that allow oxygen in and moisture vapour out while keeping the wound protected.

  • Useful for superficial wounds and IV site coverage
  • Allows easy monitoring without removal

7. Hydrogel Dressings

Description: Hydrating dressings used to add moisture to dry or necrotic wounds.

  • Effective for dry wounds, burns, and those requiring autolytic debridement
  • Requires a secondary dressing

8. Antimicrobial Dressings

Description: Dressings containing silver, iodine or honey, designed to reduce bacterial load.

  • Used in wounds at risk of infection or with early signs of bioburden
  • Should be used under clinical guidance

Always follow NHS guidelines or consult a GP or tissue viability nurse when selecting a wound dressing.