What is a Medical Bandage used for?

A medical bandage is a strip or piece of material used to wrap or cover a wound, injury, or other medical condition. The use of padded bandages is very common in the medical industry. They are used in wound management. A bandage is designed to hold dressings in place after a wound has been cleaned and dressed. Bandage wrap is commonly shaped like a roll, strip, or pad and is often referred to as “bandaids”. First-aid bandaging for cuts, scrapes, and small wounds is designed to protect and keep the wound site clean. They are an ideal choice to secure a primary wound dressing to the wound. Medicated bandages can be placed directly against minor injuries with low exudate levels.

Different Types of Bandage Wraps

At HPFY, we offer different types of bandages, which are explained below:

1. Elastic/ACE Wound Care Bandages

These types of medical bandages are often used to create localized even pressure to an area, Thereby restricting swelling. ACE bandages are antimicrobial and inhibit the growth of bacteria on the bandage. These Bandages are used by athletes to treat muscle sprains and strains and by medical professionals to treat lymphedema and other venous conditions. Try the 3M ACE Bandage that comes with a Velcro band closure for securing the bandage.

2. Adhesive Bandage

The small wrap bandage or dressing is commonly used for minor injuries not serious enough to require a full-size bandage. Adhesive bandages protect the injury and scab from dirt, infection, friction, bacteria, and further damage. Some dressings possess antiseptic properties like the Covidien Curity Fabric Bandage.

3. Tubular Bandages

This medical gauze is good basically for difficult-to-dress wounds. It has a tubular design and does not require any tying or taping, thus saving the nursing down. Tubular bandages conform to the body shape and do not slide down the joints as in the case of Comperm Latex Free Tubular Bandage like Medigrip Tubular Bandage.

4. Gauze Bandages

These are basically a roll of medical gauze made up of absorbent cotton. Gauze bandages are the most widely used bandages in hospital facilities. Gauze bandages like the Elastomul Non-Sterile Elastic Gauze Bandage offer superior performance and stretchability in controlling bleeding or edema.

5. Conforming Medical Bandages

Conforming bandages are lightweight, breathable, and fray resistant, like the Flexicon Conforming Stretch Bandage, which comes with a high level of stretchability. Conforming bandages are made to conform to the body, allowing for increased freedom of movement. These bandages are used to provide compression or as secondary wound dressings.

6. Compression Bandages

These bandages are used to provide compression and support to alleviate pain and inflammation in various parts of the body. A compression medical bandage provides support for the veins, which enables the valves to work more efficiently in cases of venous leg ulcers.

7. Cohesive Bandages

Cohesive elastic bandages are self-adhering bandages that can be easily cut or torn by hands. These first-aid bandages being lightweight and durable can be used for a variety of medical applications. These bandages remain securely in place without the use of tape or clips. HealthProductsForYou offers numerous cohesive bandages like the 3M Coban Wrap, which permits scissor-free application and is ideal for providing both compression and light support to almost any injured area.

Proper bandaging techniques can help prevent infection and control bleeding. Here are common techniques:

Circular Bandage: Used for small areas. Apply in a circular motion.
Spiral Bandage: Used for limbs. Apply in a spiral pattern.
Figure-Eight Bandage: Used for shoulders, elbows, knees. Apply in a figure-eight pattern.
Recurrent Bandage: Used for head, hand, or foot. Apply in a recurrent pattern.
Triangular Bandage: Used for slinging an arm or supporting an injured joint. Fold into a sling and secure around the injured area.

Remember to check circulation regularly when applying a bandage. If the area becomes pale, numb, or cool, loosen the bandage.

How to use a Wound Care Bandage?

Wash your hands and put on clean gloves to avoid contact with wound blood and infection.
Dress the wound with a medical bandage.
Cover the wound care bandage with gauze or cloth strips.
Secure the bandage carefully and check for proper circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the Difference Between Wound Dressing and Wound Bandage?

Dressings: A dressing is applied to a wound to facilitate healing and prevent further damage. A dressing is made to be in direct contact with the wound.
Bandage: A bandage is categorized as anything used to keep a dressing in place. While individual health agencies consider them as the same thing and the terms are used interchangeably by some people; there is a difference.
A bandage can be used as part of a dressing, but it can also be used with a splint, or it can be used on its own to provide support to the body. Bandages can be used to restrict the flow of blood. During heavy bleeding or following a poisonous bite, this is important. Bandages are available in a wide range of types, from generic cloth strips to specialized shaped bandages designed for a specific limb or part of the body.

2. How often to change Wrap Bandage?

Bandages should be changed daily or sooner – check if it has become dry or wet – so the wound can be kept clean and dry.

3. How to remove Bandage Adhesive?

Removing Bandage Adhesive from the skin:

Use oil to weaken the adhesive: Take a cotton ball and soak it in baby oil. If you don't have baby oil, olive oil, petroleum oil, or baby shampoo will work. Gently rub it over the bandage till it falls off. Applying a gentle lotion or petroleum jelly will also work.
Freeze the adhesive: Take some ice cubes and wrap them in the towel. Gently rub it on a bandage. Ice works by making the adhesive brittle, which in turn, makes it easier to pull off. You can also use Adhesive Remover.

Where to buy Best Medical Bandage online?

Health Products For You offers a wide array of bandage wraps of different sizes and shapes, including elastic bandages, gauze bandages, compression bandages, and many more. These products are from our esteemed vendors like Medline Industries, BSN Medical, McKesson, and others.