FAQ and Resources

If a gauze dressing sticks to a wound can I just pull it off?

No. Moisten the gauze with about a tablespoon of sterile normal saline. Once the gauze loosens, then pull it off gently, taking care not to remove any scab underneath.


Can the person take a shower with a gauze dressing?

Check with the person’s doctor to determine if it is ok for the person to shower. If so, the doctor may suggest showering with the dressing off, then you can reapply it after the person is done. If it is necessary to keep the dressing in place, take a layer of plastic wrap and cover the gauze completely. Tape the plastic wrap in place

The Ohio State University Medical Center Patient Education Materials

The Ohio State University Medical Center is one of the largest and most diverse academic medical centers in the country. The web site provides information on a variety of different types of dressings.