How to Apply Wet-to-Dry Dressings

Follow these seven steps carefully each time you change your dressing. Change dressings 3 times per day unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Garazo.

Step 1: Open Gauze — Open gauze and unfold to a single layer.
Step 2: Wet the Gauze — Wet gauze with saline solution so it is moist but not dripping.
Step 3: Squeeze Out Excess — Squeeze excess saline so gauze is damp, not soaking wet.
Step 4: Pack the Wound — Gently pack damp gauze into the wound. Do not force or overfill.
Step 5: Cover the Wound — Place a dry piece of gauze over the packed wound.
Step 6: Tape Securely — Tape the dry gauze securely in place over the wound.
Step 7: Repeat 3x Daily — Change the dressing three times per day as instructed.

Important WarningRead before removing your dressing

Do NOT wet the gauze to remove it. When you change your dressing, the gauze should pull away dry. This is what removes dead tissue and promotes healing. If you wet the gauze prior to removal, you will defeat the purpose of this type of dressing.

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Wet-to-Dry Dressings

Home / Post-Surgical Care / Wet-to-Dry Dressings

Available at your local pharmacy

Recommended Supplies

Saline solution
Gauze (2×2 or 4×4)
Tape

How to Apply Wet-to-Dry Dressings

Follow these seven steps carefully each time you change your dressing. Change dressings 3 times per day unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Garazo.

Step 1: Open Gauze — Open gauze and unfold to a single layer.
Step 2: Wet the Gauze — Wet gauze with saline solution so it is moist but not dripping.
Step 3: Squeeze Out Excess — Squeeze excess saline so gauze is damp, not soaking wet.
Step 4: Pack the Wound — Gently pack damp gauze into the wound. Do not force or overfill.
Step 5: Cover the Wound — Place a dry piece of gauze over the packed wound.
Step 6: Tape Securely — Tape the dry gauze securely in place over the wound.
Step 7: Repeat 3x Daily — Change the dressing three times per day as instructed.