Every dressing size explained, and what each is for
A plain-English walk through the range, from fingertip plasters to post-operative covers.
Dressing sizes describe the whole dressing, not the absorbent pad in the middle. The pad is always smaller, because the adhesive border needs somewhere to grip. Bear that in mind as you read the numbers.
Small: 6 × 7cm
Fingers, knuckles, small cuts. The workhorse of a kitchen or workshop. Available in a 25 pack for a household and a 60 pack if you get through them.
Everyday: 6 × 10cm
Shallow scrapes, forearm grazes, anything a plaster is too small for.
Mid: 9 × 10cm and 10 × 10cm
Knees, elbows and shins — the classic fall injuries. The 10 × 10cm has a waterproof backing.
Large: 8 × 15cm
Longer wounds and larger grazes, and the size most often used over a closed surgical line.
Extra large: 10 × 20cm
Post-operative sites and wide areas of damage. Sold in a 25 pack because the people who need this size usually need several.
Assorted
A mixed box makes sense for a drawer or a glovebox where you cannot predict what you will need. It is a poor choice if you already know you only use one size.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
Shop the range
FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.