Dressing (medical)

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A dressing is a piece of material, usually cloth, used to cover a wound and stop bleeding. It is not to be confused with a bandage. Applying a dressing properly is a first aid skill. Ideally a dressing comes in a prepackaged sterile wrapping. However, dressings can be and often are improvised as needed. Dressings can be impregnated with antiseptic chemicals, as in boracic lint.

Changing dressings is one common task in nursing. Sterile dressings are typically found in first aid kits. An "ideal" wound dressing is one that is sterile, breathable, and encourages a moist healing environment. This will then reduce the risk of infection, help the wound heal more quickly, and reduce scarring.