Commonly used cleansing fluid and dressing

Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) is a commonly used cleansing fluid. As it is similar to human body fluid, it does not irritate wound tissues and causes less pain when applied. Antiseptics may irritate the wound or cause allergic reaction.

Generally, non-infected wound could be cleansed by Normal Saline and antiseptics is not required. Infected wound must be managed according to doctor's instructions.

General dressings include:

• Gauze: can absorb secretion.
• Film dressings: transparent, permeable to gas and water vapour but not germs.
• Hydrocolloid dressings: help to remove slough and dead tissue; absorb secretion but does not cause over-drying, non-adhesive during removal; reduce the frequency of dressing.
• Antimicrobial dressings: kills germs and requires doctor's prescription.