Must-Have Wound Care Supplies for Home

Gauze Pads for Wound Cleaning are made of low-linting cotton polyester and are often used with antiseptics to help prevent infections. They also help cover and cushion the wound while it heals.

Gauze Rolls for Secure Dressings provide additional coverage in case the primary dressing bleeds through. Averaging 6-ply, these dressings are easy to wrap around the patient’s body. This helps hold the primary dressing securely in place as the wound heals.

Check out this blog for a deeper dive into the different types of gauze dressings.

Non-Adherent Dressings for Burns are also useful when treating wounds with fragile tissue and moderate exudate. They don’t have adhesive and therefore don’t stick to the wound or the tender skin around it. Without adhesive, these dressings don’t leave residue or cause pain during removal.

Hypoallergenic Medical Tape is not made with natural rubber latex and is 90% allergen-free. This significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions for children, the elderly, patients recovering from surgery, and those with sensitive skin. It has a strong adhesive but is easy to remove.

Learn more about medical tape options here.

Antiseptic Wipes and Solutions are crucial for infection prevention. They help users keep wounds clean to ensure a successful healing process. Wipes can be used alone, but gauze pads are necessary when applying antiseptic solutions to wounds.

Scissors easily cut bandages and other materials found in a first aid kit. They are valued for their durability and precision. Blunt tips keep patients safe during use. Most pairs are ambidextrous for right or left-handed people.

Tweezers are effective tools for removing debris from wounds rather than by hand. They can firmly grip smaller pieces easier than fingers. They are easy to hold, simple to use, and provide a greater sense of control and precision

Gloves play an important role in infection prevention when changing dressings or cleaning wounds. They protect the patient by keeping wounds and medical supplies clean and protect the caregiver by shielding their skin from blood and bodily fluids.

There are 3 materials most commonly used in disposable gloves:

• Nitrile is a good substitution for patients with latex sensitivities. The material is puncture-resistant and useful in handling hazardous materials.
• Vinyl is the most economical of the 3 glove materials. It isn’t made with natural rubber latex for individuals with sensitive skin. These gloves are disposable and versatile.
• Latex stretches easily and snaps back into place when released. This rubber material is also puncture-resistant and perfect for instances involving needles or dangerous chemicals. Be wary of allergies when using these gloves as some people are allergic to latex.

Abdominal Pads for Heavy Drainage were initially designed for soldiers in combat and have thus been named “Army Battle Dressing (ABD) Pads. This fact alone speaks for the pad’s ability to manage high amounts of blood and exudate. Their highly absorbent material and sealed edges securely store blood and exudate until the bandage can be changed.

See this blog for more information about ABD pads.

Petrolatum Gauze for Healing Burns is also useful for skin grafts, abrasions, and sensitive wounds. It retains moisture to create an optimal healing environment.

Sharps Disposal Containers are less common around the house. However, if your first aid kit has anything with needles, these containers provide a safe way to dispose of them. Their red exterior is puncture-resistant and their lids are designed to prevent even the littlest of hands from reaching inside.

Elastic Bandages

Elastic Bandages for Wound Support provide much-needed compression. In doing so, they also reduce swelling and inflammation. The material is easy to cut to whatever length and width the user needs. This facilitates wrapping around small areas such as thumbs or individual fingers. The elastic composition allows the wearer some flexibility without compromising the bandage’s compression or placement.

Drain Sponges

Drain Sponges for Wound Care cover medical tubes like IVs. They also absorb exudate after surgery and reduce the risk of infections.

Waterproof Medical Tape

Waterproof Medical Tape has a strong adhesive that allows wearers to swim, shower, bathe, and other water activities. The material is breathable and stretches with the user’s body.

Maintaining a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for at-home injury preparedness. Ready-to-use wound care kits make a huge difference in cases of emergency. We recommend reviewing and replacing wound care supplies regularly to ensure you have access to effective first-aid solutions in times of need.