Gauze is made of interwoven threads, used to heal and protect wounds or for compression. They are essential in any first-aid kit and their absorption capacity makes them useful for dressing wounds and absorbing exudates.
They are often used in with a disinfectant solution, such as medical alcohol or chlorhexidine. Those that have undergone a sterilisation process are free of microorganisms and come in sealed packaging (called "sterile gauze").
The two most commonly used types of gauze are cotton and non-woven. The former is made of 100% cotton filaments and the more thread, the greater the absorption capacity. On the other hand, non-woven gauze is made of viscose and polyester and does not contain bleaching agents or surfactants, perfect for sensitive areas of the skin. When handling sterile gauze, always use clean hands.