What Are Cohesive Bandage Wraps?

If you have an injury such as a strain or sprain, which requires support and compression, a cohesive bandage wrap can do the job just as well as a traditional elastic wrap in fewer steps. Cohesive bandages also provide an additional layer of protection when applied over a primary dressing. They are available in a variety of widths and lengths from pharmacies, medical supply stores and online merchants.

Physical Attributes

• Unlike ordinary elastic bandages, cohesive bandage wraps do not require clips or pins to stay in place. Made of a lightweight, double-layered, crepe-like material, cohesive bandage wraps are self-adherent, meaning the material sticks to itself during wrapping. Cohesive bandage wraps are absorbent and porous, allowing air to flow freely under the bandage as it wicks moisture away from the skin. Proper air circulation and lack of moisture below the bandage keeps the site free of infection.

Storage

• Proper storage of cohesive bandage wraps ensures that they are clean, sanitary and ready for use when needed. A first aid kit, clean drawer or sealed plastic container is suitable for storing cohesive bandage wraps when they are not in use. Before storage, roll the cohesive bandage up neatly. Smooth the cohesive bandage as you roll it up, removing and seams or wrinkles that may cause skin irritation the next time the bandage is used.

Wrapping

• Cohesive bandage wraps provide even pressure when wrapped around an injury. Holding the wrap in one hand, the loose end lays over the injured area. The caregiver then wraps the cohesive bandage around the injury, overlapping each rotation by half to avoid separation, creating maximum self-adhesion. To ensure that blood circulation is not inhibited, even pressure and tension is necessary during wrapping. Wrapping the cohesive bandage too tightly can lead to serious health complications.

Monitoring

• After applying the cohesive bandage wrap, the affected area requires continuous monitoring to check for proper circulation. Signs of poor circulation attributed to a cohesive bandage applied too tightly include pain or throbbing and loss of color in the extremities. Toes and fingers should remain flesh-toned at all times; pale, blue or gray skin is a sign of poor circulation. Tingling is also a sign warranting immediate removal of the bandage. Remove the cohesive bandage wrap every four hours even if there are no signs of poor blood circulation. Reapply the wrap after a brief hiatus.