Gauze Bandages are used for absorbing fluids as well as dressing and protecting wounds. The gauze acts as a barrier to prevent contaminants from entering any wound area that it covers and absorbs any blood or fluid that seeps out of the wound. Gauze bandage bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and dressings. gauze. bandage, patch – a piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body. cotton – fabric woven from cotton fibers.