Bandages

Injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. And when it comes to providing high-grade protection to small wounds, what better way than applying the bandages. That’s one of the reasons why you can find them as a common item in every pharmacy and first aid kit. But, do you know about them and how to use them correctly and effectively?

Technically, speaking a bandage is mostly used to hold a dressing in place, and usually, it never comes in direct contact with a wound. In fact, you can also use the bandages to support a splint, to support the body, or to restrict a part of the body. However, remember having the bandages in hand is not enough; you must know how to dress the wound with these bandages appropriately. You can treat minor cuts or wounds at home or even on the road. But, more extensive lacerations may need a more precise dressing. In this article, we shall look at some of the significant types of bandages and their uses, plus a few tips to make a wise decision when buying them online.

The significant types of bandages

Bandages come in an array of shapes and sizes, with different materials effective for treating several types of wounds. By the way, did you know that the engineers have also designed a bandage that senses the temperature and even releases medicine? In short, whether you suffer from a sprain or an open wound, you’ll find bandages for every type of injury. And applying the right kind of injury is necessary to reduce pain. However, due to lack of knowledge, we tend to use the wrong bandages, which hardly proves effective. That’s why it’s important to know and understand their various types. Well, to make things easier for you, today, we give you a detailed overview of bandages and their utility. Check them below!

The triangular bandage

One supply you should always have in your first aid kit is the triangular bandage. The bandage is typically a loose-weave cotton cloth in the shape of a triangle. You can use this versatile first aid tool in several ways to treat various types of injuries. Generally, you fold these items in the shape of a rectangle and place it over a large wound to absorb blood and stop bleeding. In other words, it functions as a trauma pad. In fact, you can use two of these kinds, one for stopping the blood and another to wrap the wound around. Besides, you can also use them to treat a wound on the forehead or at the back of the head. But, remember it should not cover the mouth, nose, or ears.

The elastic adhesive bandage

The elastic adhesive dressings, unlike the other ones, are thin textile strips that adhere to the skin. This bandage protects a small to medium-sized wound or scab. In other words, the item ensures that the site of abrasion stays clear of friction, bacteria, damage, or dirt, enabling the healing process to proceed undisturbed. Some models even have antiseptic properties to accelerate the healing rate and reduce infection. Most of these bandages usually come with woven polyurethane, polyethene, or latex. Generally, one side of the bandage has an adhesive applied to stick securely to the skin and help hold wounds together. In other words, they’re convenient, inexpensive, and protect wounds reasonably well.

The best blister bandages

Blisters go hand in hand with running, particularly ultra-running. And when you get a bad one, you’ll end up with a limp. Well, that’s when a blister bandage proves to be a quick fix. You can ease the pain with these specially designed plaster. You’ll find them from small patches, the thick tapes to even gels. One of the famous examples and the one that’s currently trending on the market is the BSN medical tape. The tape is very tough. It’s incredibly sticky, and it’s unlikely to come off when you run. So, once you put it on, know that it’s for the rest of the race. Similarly, you’ll find many such models like Dr Frederick’s original better blister bandages, Compeed, Bodyglide foot, and so on.

The waterproof bandages

Waterproof bandages are a revolution in themselves. Women and swimmers must’ve heaved a sigh of relief when these came into being, as they do offer protection from moistures. In short, these are similar to your regular bandages except that they provide extra protection in wet conditions. That is, they stick longer than dressings that have no waterproof claim. The bottom line in wet, potentially dirty conditions, it would be nice to use a waterproof bandage for a little bit of extra protection. Additionally, most of these items have a peel-apart wrapper, that helps you quickly rip apart the dressing when you need to dispose of them after use.