Table 1. Summary of different types of dressing with the corresponding description.

Type of dressings	Description	Ref
Gauze	Drying Cheap May produce painful removal	[19–21]
Foams	Soft and conformable High porosity, moderately absorbent Thermal insulating Wounds may dry out if little or no exudate	[23,24]
Films	Occlusive, retains moisture No absorbent properties Protects against infection Can cause fluid collection	[19,20,102,103]
Hydrogels	Maintain moist environment Aid in autolytic debridement Rehydrates dry wound Easy removal Not suitable for heavily exuding wounds May require secondary dressing	[20,103–105]
Hydrocolloids	Occlusive Highly absorbent May cause peri-wound maceration May adhere to the wound and damage fragile tissue	[23,24,103,106]
Alginates	Moderate-highly absorbent Haemostatic Maintain moist environment Not suitable for dry wounds May require secondary dressing	[20,103,107,108]
Gelling Fibres	Moderate-highly absorbent Maintain moist environment Forms gel when in contact with exudate Easy to remove Not suitable for dry wounds	[109,110]
Superabsorbent dressings	Highly absorbent Conformable Prevents maceration Not suitable for dry wounds	[111–114]