Triple Layer Non-Stick Pads Great for Oozy Wounds

These gauze pads have an outer layer of paper treated with telfa which prevents them from sticking to wounds, and yet they are still absorbent. These are a standard part of our hiking first aid kit

I seem to just be doomed to getting horrible blisters on my heels when hiking. Several remedies, and various socks have been tried. Sometimes I get lucky. Usually I get blisters that cover my entire heel, an inch by two inches or more.

Early on, we started using this kind of gauze pad over a donut of moleskin to cushion and protect the inflamed area. These pads are great. Weve used several different brands, and they all seem to work equally well. One slight difference with the Johnson & Johnson ones is that the outer layer is softer, more like polished kleenex in texture (but much stronger). I tried to show the inner layer in the one that is cut open. It consists of cotton batting. This box is 10 pads, 2 x 3 inches. They do come in other sizes, but can be hard to find either larger or smaller. We always just cut a piece to fit the need.

The outer layer wont stick to skin or get dried into a wound, yet it allows any liquid to pass through it and be absorbed by the cotton on the inside.

Johnson & Johnson claims that their pads are more than 70% thicker and 60% more absorbent than other non-stick pads. I can tell you that they cant be that much thicker. Weve used three different brands and they are all about the same. They might be more absorbent. Im not sure. We tend to change the dressing once a day in the morning rather than based on the condition of my heel.

The box implies that you are supposed to put a certain side against the skin. Im not sure that we ever paid attention to that particular direction!

Nevertheless, we are very happy with these pads, and we always carry some brand. They can be cut into the size needed. I suppose this compromises the sterility, but when hiking, sterile is not a word that fits into the practical vocabulary very well.

If you want to watch some videos created by Johnson & Johnson supporting their claims for the pads, go to Johnson & Johnson First Aid