What is the difference between Gauze Pads and Gauze Sponges?

While dealing with burns, minor cuts, or incisions at the site of surgery, there is a need to clean and wrap the wound to stop the blood as well as to protect it from infections. Commonly used wound dressings in this case include gauze pads and gauze sponges. Both gauze pads and gauze sponges are disposable and are marketed and enclosed in air-tight packaging if sterile. Although, their non-sterile versions are also easily available.

Gauze pads

A gauze pad is a small piece of loosely woven fabric that finds application in wound dressing. These are lightweight, thin in diameter, and effective in use. Cotton, silk, and other synthetic fibers can be used to prepare gauze pads. These can be sterile and non-sterile. Sterile gauze pads are particularly useful to cover open wounds but non-sterile gauze pads can only be employed for cleaning and cushioning the wounds.

A gauze pad in its packaging

Gauze pad

Dry gauze pads are efficient at absorbing the blood from the site of injury while wet gauze pads help retain the moisture in the wounded area. The concept of wet gauze pads was first presented by George D. Winter in 1962 who argued that if the gauze does not let the blood or other exudates leave the site of injury, the contents of these exudates can help the recovery process. Hormones, enzymes, and blood cells promote cell division in the injured area thus enhancing skin regeneration. Moreover, scarring has also been found to be lessened in the case of wet gauze pad employment.

A gauze pad applied onto a wound

Gauze sponges

The gauze sponges are the lint-free, flint, and thicker versions of gauze pads with higher strength and durability. They are available in both sterile and non-sterile options. Cotton (100%) and other non-woven materials are used to prepare them. However, for non-sterile sponges, a blend of cotton and rayon polyester can be used. Wool, silk, and other synthetic fibers can also be used to make gauze sponges. Just like gauze pads, they are available in 2” x 2” (5 x 5 cm), 3” x 3” (7.5 x 7.5 cm), and 4” x 4” (10 x 10 cm) sizes.

Gauze sponges

Difference between gauze pads and gauze sponges

Mainly, the gauze pads and gauze sponges only differ in their packaging. The gauze pads come in a pack containing only one single product while a single pack of gauze sponges contains two or more sponges. Moreover, both may differ in ply which is the number of threads twisted together to make a single thread which is then woven to make a gauze pad or gauze sponge. As the gauze pads are lightly woven, they have a lesser ply count as compared to gauze sponges which have a higher number. This ply count affects the durability and strength of the material i.e. the higher the ply count, the greater the material’s strength.

Applications of gauze pads and gauze sponges

Both the gauze pads as well as gauze sponges find applications in the following procedures:

• Both gauze pads and gauze sponges are employed for wound cleaning and wound dressing.
• Dry gauze pads and gauze sponges effectively absorb the blood and other exudates from the wounds.
• Gauze pads and gauze sponges help in prepping, packing, and debriding wounds, cuts, grazes, and minor burns.
• Gauze pads and gauze sponges also help to hold the ointment at the place of incision or a wound.
• Gauze pads are also helpful in conducting mechanical debridement i.e. the removal of dead cells as well as damaged skin from the area of an injury or an incision.
• Gauze pads can also be used to apply antiseptics such as the tincture of iodine onto the wound.

Side effects of gauze pads and gauze sponges

Gauze pads and gauze sponges are one of the safest items used in healthcare setups but some issues may be associated with their applications:

• Although gauze pads are easy to apply, they may cause pain while removal from the wound. During this process, their separation from the injured skin may facilitate the removal of dead and infected tissue thus making room for the new cells to cover the area and repair the injury but this process is extremely painful for the patient.
• In some cases, the gauze pads or gauze sponges stick to the wound very firmly rendering their removal nearly impossible. Therefore, surgery may be required to separate them from the skin.
• They may cause a fluid buildup near the area where they are placed.
• In the case of using gauze on internal wounds, gauze may be left inside the body without notice. Eventually, it may result in pain and extreme discomfort. In such cases, a surgical procedure can be conducted to take out the gauze.

Limitations of gauze pads and gauze sponges

The gauze pads as well as the gauze sponges do not have a certain limitation except that they are incapable of adhering to the wound by themselves. Sometimes, they can also fall off the wound causing pain and irritation to the patient. Therefore, assistance is required to secure them at the place of injury.

Conclusion

Gauze pads and gauze sponges are frequently used medical products for wound cleaning and dressing. They can be employed on wounds acquired from burns, incisions during surgical procedures, and minor cuts among others. These gauze pads and gauze sponges can also be paired with antiseptic solutions such as the tincture of iodine. These help in keeping the wound clean and covered until the repair completes thus rendering their use a necessity in everyday therapeutics.