A dressing is a piece of material, usually cloth, used to cover a wound and stop bleeding. It is not to be confused with a bandage. Applying a dressing properly is a first aid skill. Ideally a dressing comes in a prepackaged sterile wrapping. However, dressings can be and often are improvised as needed. Changing dressings is one common task in nursing. Sterile dressings are typically found in first aid kits. An "ideal" wound dressing is one that is sterile, breathable, and encourages a moist healing environment. This will then reduce the risk of infection, help the wound heal quicker, and reduce scarring. It has been suggested that Textile be merged into this article or section. ... A wound is type of physical trauma wherein the skin is torn, cut or punctured (an open wound), or where blunt force trauma causes a contusion (a closed wound). ... Minor traumatic bleeding from the head Bleeding is the loss of blood from the body. ... Theres also a song called Bandages by the American alternative rock group Hot Hot Heat which appears on the 2002 album Make Up the Breakdown. ... First aid is a series of simple, life-saving medical techniques that a non-doctor or layman can be trained to perform. ... Sterility is the quality or state of being unable to reproduce. ... Nursing is a discipline focused on assisting individuals, families and communities in attaining, re-attaining and maintaining optimal health and functioning. ... A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, particularly in an emergency. ...