What type of dressing is characterized by forming an airtight seal?

An occlusive dressing is specifically designed to create an airtight and watertight seal over a wound. This type of dressing is crucial in situations where it is important to prevent air, moisture, and contaminants from entering the wound, which can minimize the risk of infection and facilitate the healing process. Occlusive dressings are typically used for open chest wounds or to manage certain types of puncture wounds, as they help in maintaining pressure and preventing conditions like pneumothorax where air can enter the chest cavity. The sealing property also promotes a moist healing environment, which is beneficial for tissue repair.

In contrast, other types of dressings serve different purposes: compressive dressings apply pressure to control bleeding, absorbent dressings are designed to soak up fluids such as blood or exudate, and non-adherent dressings prevent sticking to the wound while allowing fluids to pass through. Each has its specific application, but for the objective of creating an airtight seal, the occlusive dressing is the most appropriate choice.