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Each child, wound and wound site is unique and these factors will impact on the type of dressing the nurse decides to use. Wound dressings broadly fall into a number of classes, depending on the material they are made of. The nurse should be aware of the particular characteristics of each class of dressing and the impact these can have on wound healing. Modern wound dressings are designed to do one or more of three things: protect, debride and absorb excess exudate. With this knowledge the nurse can make the most appropriate selections and provide explanations to parents and child about the choices available.