gauze

Gauze is a lightweight, open-weave fabric used primarily in wound care and medical dressings. Traditionally made from cotton fibers, it is valued for its breathability, absorbency, and gentle texture, which help manage moisture around a wound while reducing the risk of maceration. Some gauze products are made from blends or synthetic fibers and can be produced as nonwoven materials.

Gauze is available in several forms. Woven gauze comes as rolls, pads, or squares with varying thread counts and thicknesses. Nonwoven gauze is produced by bonding fibers rather than weaving and is common as sterile pads and dressings. Gauze can be plain or impregnated with substances such as petroleum jelly, antiseptics, or antibiotics to aid healing or prevent infection. Sterile gauze is packaged for single-use medical applications.

In clinical use, gauze serves as a secondary or primary wound dressing. It absorbs exudate, provides a barrier against contaminants, and can be layered with other dressings to control moisture and provide cushioning. Gauze is employed in first aid, surgical settings, and dental care, often in combination with adhesives or bandages.

Care and safety considerations emphasize sterile handling and single-use disposal to minimize infection risk. Fibers may shed from gauze, so care is taken to avoid leaving material in the wound. Proper selection of gauze type and impregnation is guided by wound characteristics and medical judgment.

The term gauze likely derives from historical cloth trade centers, with modern usage centered on sterile, medical-grade products.