When not to reach for a dressing at all
Covering a wound is usually right. In a handful of situations it is the wrong first move.
Almost every minor wound benefits from being covered. These are the exceptions worth knowing, because getting them wrong causes real harm.
Active heavy bleeding
Control the bleeding first with direct pressure. A dressing applied over active bleeding just becomes a wet pad and loses its seal.
An embedded object
Do not press a dressing down over anything embedded. Build padding around it and secure that, leaving the object undisturbed. Removing it can cause worse bleeding.
A wound you cannot clean
If grit or debris will not flush out, covering it seals the contamination in. That is a reason to seek help rather than to reach for a bigger dressing.
A bite wound
Bites are usually left open deliberately. Cover lightly for transport, but do not close a puncture with strips.
Chemical exposure
Irrigate copiously and continuously first, for far longer than feels necessary, and take the chemical details with you. Covering before irrigating traps the substance against the skin.
Anything that needs stitching
Closure strips on a wound that needs suturing delay proper treatment. There is a time window for closing wounds well.
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.
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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.