Dressings
Dressings are a foundational part of effective wound care—and at Accelerated Wound Care (AWC), they’re a key part of every treatment plan we deliver. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic ulcer, or healing from an injury, our team selects and applies advanced dressings tailored to your specific needs. By creating a clean, protected, and healing-focused environment, our dressing applications help patients across Chicagoland heal faster and more comfortably—right at home.
What Are Dressings?
Dressings are specialized materials used to cover wounds, protect damaged skin, and support the body’s healing process. At AWC, we use a wide range of dressing types depending on the wound’s size, depth, drainage level, and overall condition. Some of the advanced dressings we provide include:
Calcium Alginate Dressings– Highly absorbent and derived from seaweed, these dressings are ideal for wounds with heavy drainage. They form a gel when in contact with wound fluid, supporting moisture balance and gentle debridement.
Wound Wash Dressings– Used to gently cleanse the wound bed by removing debris and bacteria, helping create a cleaner healing environment.
Sodium Alginate Dressings– Similar to calcium alginate, these dressings absorb fluid and help manage wounds with moderate to heavy exudate.
Hydrogel Dressings– Designed to hydrate dry or necrotic wounds. These dressings are cooling, soothing, and help rehydrate tissue while aiding in debridement.
Hydrocolloid Dressings– Adhesive dressings that create a moist healing environment. These are well-suited for shallow wounds with low to moderate fluid and act as a protective barrier.
Collagen Dressings– Made from human or animal collagen, these dressings promote the growth of new tissue and are often used for chronic, slow-healing wounds.
Why Are Dressings Used?
Dressings do more than just cover a wound—they protect it, regulate moisture, and promote regeneration. AWC uses dressings to help:
Prevent infection– By forming a barrier against bacteria and external irritants.
Maintain proper moisture levels– Keeping the wound moist but not too wet accelerates healing and reduces scarring.
Support debridement– Some dressings help lift away dead tissue and keep the wound bed clean.
Enhance comfort– Modern dressings are designed for comfort and can reduce irritation and pain at the site.
How Are Dressings Applied?
At AWC, applying dressings is a thoughtful, individualized process. Our clinicians first assess your wound’s stage, size, drainage level, and tissue health. Based on these findings, we choose the most effective dressing material. Each application is done under sterile conditions, with gentle care and precision. Dressings are monitored and changed regularly depending on the wound’s healing pace, drainage amount, and dressing type. Your progress is reviewed at each visit to ensure the wound is on track and your comfort is maintained throughout treatment.
What To Expect After Dressing Care
After dressing application, most patients notice reduced pain, inflammation, and improved appearance of the wound over time. Depending on the wound’s complexity, your AWC clinician will schedule dressing changes accordingly. Our goal is to make sure healing continues with minimal interruption. With regular care, education, and oversight, dressings become one of the most effective tools in your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dressings
How often should dressings be changed?
It depends on the type of wound and dressing being used. Some wounds need daily attention, while others may be left undisturbed for several days. Your AWC provider will create a personalized plan and handle all changes during scheduled home visits.
Can I change my own dressings at home?
In some cases, yes—but only under direct instruction from your provider. For more complex wounds or advanced dressing types, it’s best to leave changes to trained professionals to avoid infection and ensure correct placement.
Get Advanced Dressing Care at Home
Accelerated Wound Care brings professional wound dressing services to your doorstep. From surgical sites to chronic wounds, our team delivers clean, safe, and effective dressing care across the Chicagoland area. Book a visit today and let our experienced clinicians help you heal more comfortably—right where you live.
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Accelerated Wound Care – Serving the Chicagoland Area
Phone: (844) 292-5708
Fax: (244) 361-2616
Email: Info@AWCIllinois.com
2720 S. River Rd., Suite 256
Des Plaines, IL, 60018