Alternative Dressings
Dressings can be expensive, especially if you use the same kind as the hospital. There is nothing special about the hospital dressings. They just cost more. This guide gives you some ideas of alternative dressings that will cost less. These can be used over and over.
All dressings must completely cover and protect your wound to keep it clean and dry. So, you can be creative!
Knit gloves
Any knit glove will do. Use one that is tight enough to hold your other 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, plus it is breathable. These would be good to use on arms or legs.
Cost ranges from $1.00 and up.
Combo
Pantyhose and knit gloves together work great for arm and hand dressings.
Tight shorts and underwear
Tight biking shorts, underwear, or shape wear 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, 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.
Silvadene cream and Vaseline can be put on:
- Cheese cloth (can be bought at grocery stores)
- Clean cotton fabric (old T-shirts, or bed sheets)
- Non-fragranced maxi pads to soak up drainage
Prices from stores, such as:
- Walmart
- Wlgreens
- Target
- Kohl's
- Dollar General
Call:
Burn Wound Clinic at 319-467-5659 for non-emergent issues, such as rescheduling a visit or to request a work release. This is a voice mail tree. You will get a call back within 34 to 48 hours.
Integrated Call Center at 319-384-8442 or toll-free at 1-800-777-8442 for urgent issues, such as having signs of infection.