Gauze strips are simply pieces of gauze that have been cut into strips for easy handling. Some types of gauze strips can be used for arts and crafts projects, and others are intended to be incorporated as part of medical treatment. Strips can be used to treat injuries, pack wounds and prevent infection. Gauze that has been treated with antibacterial agents can do an especially good job of preventing infection.
Strips used in the medical community are usually made to be non-adherent so that they can be easily moved around on a wound. They can be created out of cotton, and some manufacturers design their strips to be carefully woven in order to prevent unraveling. These types of strips can be favored when an injury is located on an area that is exposed to a lot of movement.
Gauze that is meant to be used against the body is made to be non-toxic. Some gauze can come coated with chemicals to help in the healing of wounds. These chemicals can include antibacterial agents.
Certain types of strips are designed to pack open wounds. Insertion of these strips into the wound can help capture blood and other liquid drainage and, if the gauze has an antibacterial agent on it, prevent infection. Gauze can be suitable for full-thickness wounds such as tunneling wounds and pressure ulcers. Strips can also be used to pack the sinus or nasal areas and to treat abscesses, boils and fistulas. Strips can be used for packing purposes, and a separate piece of gauze can be placed over the packed gauze strip to help protect the area from disruption.
Strips are available in several different widths. This affords medical professionals and consumers the opportunity to choose the best pre-cut gauze shape for their needs. Gauze strips can be individually packaged, so they can also be sold by the box in various quantities. Some strips can be packaged using foil, making the peeling apart of the packing relatively simple.
Other types of gauze strips are used for arts and crafts projects. These strips are plastic-impregnated, are moldable and can be applied to any porous surface after they have been moistened. They will stick to the surface, making them ideal for projects that require a flexible material that can adhere easily. Many people who use gauze this way sand down the strips and paint them after they have completely dried. Gauze strips also can be used to make masks.
