Based on the materials employed, wound dressings may be categorised into four principal types: natural materials, synthetic polymeric materials, inorganic materials, and composite materials. Among natural materials, the primary constituents include cotton fibres, chitosan, alginates, gelatin, and collagen; synthetic polymeric materials predominantly comprise polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylonitrile. The choice of wound dressing for patients should be tailored to the specific wound type. For instance, alginates are suitable for post-operative wounds, lacerations, and chronic wounds with high exudate levels.

Wound dressings help maintain skin dryness and accelerate skin healing. Wound dressings are commonly used topical treatments, proving highly effective for injuries resulting from skin compression or impact. Prior to application, the affected area should be thoroughly cleaned. Once positioned over the wound, the dressing rapidly absorbs localised exudate while maintaining skin dryness and cleanliness, thereby reducing microbial proliferation and invasion. During dressing use, continued skin protection is essential; exposure to water or cold air should be avoided.