Cotton gauze bandage is a thin, woven fabric material that is placed over a wound to keep it clean while allowing air to penetrate and promote healing. It can be used to secure a dressing in place, or it can be used directly on a wound. These bandages are the most common type and are available in many sizes. They are good for hard to reach areas that may be difficult to dress.
The bandages are very versatile and can cover a wound on just about any part of the body. They work well on burns, head injuries, and large lacerations that need more than a simple adhesive bandage. At home, one can be used to cover scrapes on the knees or elbows, or cuts on fingers and hands. In the hospital, medical professionals use them to cover surgical sites.