As a pedicurist/podiatrist, you need to provide foot care which can involve treating first and then covering a wound with a dressing. As a specialist in pedicure and podiatry equipment, Podialux discusses the various types of compresses you need in your profession as a pedicurist/podiatrist in Belgium.
Using a dressing or a compress depending on the wound to cover on the foot
Treating a wound on the foot involves applying a disinfectant as well as possible suitable solutions and finally covering everything with a classic dressing or a compress.
When a wound is relatively superficial, a simple classic dressing is sufficient. This has a thin compress made of fibers and covered with an adhesive bandage.
The compress, on the other hand, is made of woven or non-woven cotton, polyester or viscose fibers. Generally thicker and wider than a dressing, it offers the possibility to stop bleeding and to protect a larger wound. In this last case, an adhesive must be added to hold it in place.
Which compresses to choose in podiatry?
The making of a dressing with a compress requires choosing the device most appropriate to the characteristics of the wound to be covered. There are indeed several different types of compresses, which are divided as follows:
- Woven compresses: With its thickness facilitating the absorption of liquids, a compress made of woven fibers is usually used for cleaning a wound with a disinfectant solution. You can find sterile or non-sterile woven compresses.
- Non-woven compresses: A non-woven compress is ideal for making a dressing intended to cover and protect a wound without risk of adhesion. Very soft, it can also be preferred for cleaning a delicate wound with staples or sutures. There are both sterile non-woven compresses and non-sterile versions.
- Sterile compresses: A wound at risk of infection requires the use of a sterile compress, to avoid any contamination. This gauze compress comes in woven or non-woven format.
- Non-sterile compresses: The non-sterile compress is used to clean a superficial wound that does not ooze and does not bleed heavily.
- Impregnated compresses: There is also a range of impregnated compresses, which can be soaked in antiseptic lotion, healing ointment or even natural substances with soothing virtues. These are generally sterile, individually packaged and ready to use.
Questions about the compresses to use for your dressings in podiatry in Belgium?
If you are wondering what a non-woven compress is, when to use sterile compresses or what use to make of an impregnated compress, contact Podialux. Our team is available to inform you about compresses and their use depending on the type of wound to cover. For any request or question, contact us by phone or via our online form.
