Wound Care
Wound Care 101
There are three main types of wounds: trauma wounds, surgical wounds, and skin ulcers, also known as pressure sores. No matter how your wound is classified, caring for it properly, changing the dressings correctly, and keeping it clean are vital to the healing process.
We can offer many supplies and wound care 101 information, but we don’t know the specifics of your wound. So, even though you can easily google questions like “how to change my dressing” and “how often should I change my dressing,” keep in mind that your doctor knows you best, and it’s most important that you listen to their advice and wound care techniques.
Wound Care Dressings and Supplies
In the Wound
Before placing wound care dressings on an open wound, you need something to ensure the gauze or absorbent layer won’t stick. At Strive Medical, we carry lines of porous and powder “In the Wound” materials that protect the innermost part of your wound as you dress and clean it.
On the Wound
Dressings that go on the wound need to be able to hold a lot of liquid without letting it leak when gravity or pressure is applied to it. We carry many manufacturers, including Hartmann’s, most absorbent and versatile padding for wounds with light to heavy exudate to stay protected and discreet.
Around the Wound
Proper compression is important to improve blood flow and protect your wound and wound care dressings. The bandages and compression supplies that we carry come in many different types and are labeled with guides to ensure proper wound care techniques as you are wrapping your legs, arms, or other areas.
Wound Care Manufacturers
As the nationwide provider with the largest variety of wound care supply brands to choose from, we are happy to supply you with samples from any of our manufacturers to test and try. We offer a choice of product lines from all leading manufacturers, including Hartmann, Essity, Urgo, Convatec, Molnlycke, Integra LifeSciences, and Advanced Wound Care, to name a few, to help you find the product that fits your needs.
Other brand names you might recognize are:
- ALGICELL®
- ALLEVYN
- AQUACEL®
- Biatain®
- DermaCol™
- DermaGinate®
- DermaSyn™
- ColActive®
- CalciCare™
- EXU-DRY
- FIBRACOL®
- Mepilex®
- Melgisorb®
- PRISMA®
- PROMOGRAN®
- Proximel®
- SilvaSorb®
- SILVERCEL®
- Silver-Sept®
- Sorbalgon®
- Sorbalux®
- Stimulen™
- Tegaderm™
- Woun’Dres®
- Zetuvit®
We offer these and more!
If you have Medicare, your doctor is required to assess your wound every 30 days.
Only 30 days of wound care supplies can be ordered at one time.
A new order can be shipped 10 days before your previous order runs out.
Our team members are available to assist you via call, email, or text.
Wound Care Techniques
How to Change My Dressing
Before changing your dressing, always wash your hands thoroughly; you may also want to put on gloves to protect the wound and your hands. Remove the bandage and gauze and place them in a plastic bag, especially if there are bodily fluids on them. Apply clean wound care dressings. First, put the protective layer in the wound, then the gauze or padding on the wound, and finally, wrap your compression bandage around the wound. Listen carefully to your doctor’s wound care instructions and follow their techniques.
How Often Should I Change My Dressing?
The frequency of your dressing change will depend on what kind of wound, how deep it is, how much exudate there is, how recent it is, and what wound care supplies you’re using. Most dressings have to be changed up to three times a week. Your doctor will instruct you on the proper timeline and care for your wound. When you do change it, check carefully for any signs of infection and let your doctor know if you spot anything unusual.