Gauze

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Gauze is a thin, translucent fabric with a loose open weave. In medicine, gauze is used in wound care and other medical procedures.

History

Gauze was originally made of silk and was used for clothing. It is named after the city of Gaza in Palestine, where it was first made. The fabric was traditionally woven in the home, but with the advent of industrialization, it is now made in factories.

Medical uses

In medicine, gauze is used for a variety of purposes. It is often used to dress wounds, where it can absorb blood and other fluids and protect the wound from dirt and bacteria. Gauze can also be used to secure a dressing in place, or to provide pressure to a wound to stop bleeding.

Gauze is also used in surgical procedures, where it can be used to clean wounds, absorb surgical fluids, and protect tissues during surgery. It can also be used to pack a wound, to help it heal from the inside out.

Types of gauze

There are several types of gauze used in medicine. These include:

  • Sterile gauze: This is gauze that has been sterilized to kill any bacteria or other microorganisms. It is used in surgical procedures and to dress clean wounds.
  • Impregnated gauze: This is gauze that has been soaked in a substance such as petrolatum or zinc oxide. It is used to dress wounds that are dry or have a small amount of exudate.
  • Non-stick gauze: This is gauze that has been coated with a non-stick substance. It is used to dress wounds that are healing, as it will not stick to the wound and cause pain or damage when it is removed.

See also

References


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Gauze

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