compress
A compress (from Latin comprimere , "squeezing") is a wound dressing from a piece of gauze (gauze), nonwovens , or a pleated cloth, which is used for hemostasis (u. A. Pressure) and the protection of the wound surface. Compresses are also used to apply ointments ("ointment bandages"). A special form are the cold or warm compresses, which are used for targeted cooling or warming of a limited part of the body, e.g. B. in a muscle strain can be used.
term
The term “compress” can refer to the entire dressing or just the wound dressing - cut, packaged and mostly sterile wound dressings are also referred to as compresses in the trade. They are also usually present in first- aid kits .
application
Typically, a compress is applied by holding the wound pad in place with adhesive tape (plaster) and then wrapping it with a gauze bandage so that very slight pressure is applied to the wound and the blood flow is stopped. The bandage pack is a special form , in which the wound pad and bandage are integrated.
Compresses for wound care
- Gauze compresses (sterile or non-sterile) are used to treat all kinds of wounds for first aid or quick dressing changes. They consist of woven cotton and / or viscose fibers and are folded many times. Their advantage is that they hardly fluff. They are standardized in DIN EN 14079 .
Various shapes are also used as swabs or ointment dressings .
- Nonwoven compresses (sterile or non-sterile) serve the same purpose as gauze compresses. They usually consist of a mixture of approx. 2/3 viscose and 1/3 polyester and are folded several times. In relation to their own weight, they can absorb more liquid than gauze compresses.
Cold-warm compresses
Gel compresses are used for cooling and / or warming broken bones , sprains , dislocations , bruises , muscle strains , etc., as well as for pain relief in all sports . Since they store heat passively, they are to be distinguished from active heat bags .
There are also special compresses.
Sizes
Compresses are basically available in all conceivable sizes. Medical gauze compresses (made of cotton or viscose) are standardized in DIN EN 14079. This standard has replaced the frequently cited DIN 61630 (sterile or non-sterile, 100% cotton ).
