What to Know About Bandages
Bandages are an important part of any first aid kit as they can be used to treat a variety of injuries. From minor cuts and scrapes to more serious wounds, bandages can help:
- Protect the injured area and prevent further damage.
- Apply pressure to bleeding wounds, which can help to stop the bleeding.
- Immobilize injured limbs, which can help to prevent further injury.
Keeping a variety of bandages on hand can help you feel more prepared to meet your loved ones needs. Some options caregivers love are:
- Compression Bandages & Wraps: Ideal for keeping pressure on a specific area of the body to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain in the area. Used to treat sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Elastic Bandages & Wraps: Also used to provide compression and support, elastic bandages are typically made from a stretchy material, and are available in a variety of sizes.
- Unna Boots: These are an evenly impregnated compression bandage with a non-hardening paste of zinc oxide and calamine to provide venous ulcer compression therapy. Ideal for managing venous stasis ulcers, lymphatic edema, minor sprains, strains, fractures, thrombophlebitis and skin grafts on burn wounds.
- Adhesive Bandages: Covers and protects your wounds to support fast healing, and are available in a variety of sizes, as well as materials (i.e. plastic, fabric). Adhesive bandages also include skin blister kits to help protect against pressure, friction and blisters.
- Gauze Bandages: Designed to pad and protect wound areas. Ideal for use in post-surgical and wound bandaging, especially for difficult-to-dress wounds including those resulting from plastic surgery as well as orthopedic wounds and burns.
- Conforming Bandages: These stretch design bandages conform to the body's contours; ideal for securing dressings on limbs in place.
- Cast Supplies: includes casting tape which is a multi-layered bandages used to make splints which restrict bone movement while allowing injury to heal.
FAQ's:
How do I apply an elastic bandage?
Elastic bandages are typically applied using a figure-eight technique. The bandage should be applied firmly, but not so tight that it constricts blood flow. The bandage should be checked periodically to ensure that it is not too tight or too loose.
If an elastic bandage is too tight, it can cause tingling, numbness, or pain. If an elastic bandage is too loose, it will not provide adequate support or compression.
How long can you leave an elastic bandage on?
Elastic bandages are used for 24 to 48 following an injury.
What are butterfly bandages?
Butterfly Waterproof Adhesive Bandages close and secure small wounds and incisions.
What is an Unna Boot used for?
An Unna Boot is a single use compression bandage used to treat leg wounds or ulcers that are slow healing.
What medication is in an Unna Boot?
Zinc Oxide to help ease skin irritations and keep the area moist.
What is a bandage roll used for?
Bandage rolls secure dressings in place, maintain pressure to control bleeding, support injured joints or limbs, and cushion the wound.
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