Bandages Can Be Used For Controlling Bleeding, Reducing Swelling, And Supporting The Movement Of An Injured Body Part

Bandages

A Bandage is used either with a medical device such as a dressing or as a piece of material to support or restrict the movement of an injured body part, or to cover a wound, cut, or abrasion. It is also often used to cover and protect a layer of topical medication from being rubbed or licked off.

There are several different types of strip and they can be adhesive or non-adhesive, or both. Adhesive bands are very small, thin strips of latex or woven ethylene with a sticky pad on one side that stick to the skin to deliver quick protection for cuts, bruises, blisters, and other minor injuries.

Some come in different shapes and sizes to fit specific body areas, like a fingertip or knuckle wrap that are designed to not limit mobility, or as large Bandages that are used for knees or elbows to prevent dirt from getting into the injury and contaminating the wound surface.

Nonadhesive strip are typically created with gauze sponges coated with triple antibiotic ointment or povidone iodine ointment to prevent infection and the accumulation of fluid around the wound site. There are also semi occlusive or non-adhesive pads that can be placed in between the primary layers of a wound to help control fluid exudate. These are particularly useful for moist wounds that produce more fluid than usual and to help reduce odor.

Growing demand for advanced wound care solutions, which can replace strips, may slow the worldwide Bandages Market expansion.

For a more secure hold on an open wound, a roller strip can be used that is not only used to retain a dressing. It also delivers light pressure to the injured area. This can help control bleeding, reduce swelling, and relieve pain, especially for a sprained ankle.

There are a variety of other types of elastic and tight Bandages to assist with controlling or slowing blood flow, such as a cravat, a clove hitch, an arm sling, or a compression strip, that is similar to a tensor and is more geared for the wrist/ankle area.

Any sterile wound dressings should be opened carefully and then only used after a clean hand has been wiped over the entire wound site to prevent contamination. Once the strip is applied, it should be secured with a reef knot, which is a simple square knot and can be learned quickly.

An adjustable cuff with a tubular strip to help control bleeding and to provide a more comfortable fit can be used. It is important to check the circulation under the strip regularly to see if it is still good. If the skin underneath is pale or blue, it indicates poor circulation and the strip should be loosened immediately to avoid clotting in that area.

Any numbness or tingling in the limb below the strip, may indicate that circulation is being restricted and there is need to seek medical attention right away. 3M Spunlace Extended Wear Adhesive Tape on Liner was launched by 3M in May 2022. This is their latest medical adhesive that can be used for extended wear devices.