Alternative Dressings
Dressings can cost a lot of money, especially if you use the same kind(s) as the hospital. There is nothing special about the hospital dressings. They just cost more. This handout gives you some other dressings you can use that will cost less. These can also be used over and over.
All dressings must fully cover and protect your wound to keep it clean and dry. So, you can be creative
Knit gloves
Any knit glove will work. Use a knit glove that is tight enough to hold your dressings in place. Cut off the fingertips or buy fingerless gloves to give you more freedom to use your fingers. If you only need finger dressings, cut off the fingers and put them on each finger that needs it.
Cost ranges from $1.00 and up.
Pantyhose
Pantyhose work great for keeping things in place. They are also breathable. These are good to use on arms and legs.
Cost ranges from $1.00 and up.
Knit gloves and pantyhose
Knit gloves and pantyhose together work great for arm and hand dressings.
Tight shorts, underwear, and shapewear
Tight biking shorts, underwear, or shapewear can help keep groin, buttocks, and thigh dressings in place. If they have a high waistband, they can also work for lower belly dressings.
Cost ranges from $6.00 and up.
Tank tops, camis (camisole), and shapewear
If they are tight, these can help keep belly, back, and some chest dressings in place.
Cost ranges from $7.00 and up.
Diabetic socks
These work great. They are stretchy and easy to get on.
Cost ranges from $3.99 and up.
What can Silvadene® cream (silver sulfadiazine) and Vaseline® (petroleum jelly) be put on?:
- Cheese cloth (can be bought at grocery stores)
- Clean cotton fabric (like old T-shirts, or bed sheets)
- Fragrance-free maxi pads to soak up drainage
Prices from stores, such as:
- Dollar General®
- Kohl’s®
- Target®
- Walgreens®
- Wal-Mart®
Who do I call if I have questions?
Non-emergent issues (such as rescheduling a visit or asking for a work release)
- Call the Burn Wound Clinic at 319-467-5659.
- You will need to leave a voicemail. You will get a call back within 34 to 48 hours.
Urgent issues (such as having signs of infection)
- Call the Integrated Call Center at 319-384-8442 or toll-free at 1-800-777-8442
- Ask to talk to the burn charge nurse.