How to Get a Band-Aid to Stick

Johnson & Johnson credits an employee named Earle with the invention of the Band-Aid in 1920. Earle's wife Josephine also receives recognition for inspiring her husband, because if it weren't for her cooking-related cuts and burns, Earle wouldn't have thought up the need for the adhesive bandage in the first place. The key to Band-Aid's success lies in its ability to stick to the skin while its cottony center cushions and protects a wound as it heals. After first cleaning a wound, the next important step involves providing a dry surface to which the bandage can adhere.

Things You'll Need

• Antibiotic ointment
• Mild soap
• Clean towel
• Band-Aids

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the site of the minor abrasion or cut with mild soap and water. Wash and dry your hands as well. Dry the wounded area carefully and the skin around the wound completely.

• 2

  Apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area. Avoid spreading the ointment too far outside the actual wound, so the Band-Aid has dry skin to which it can stick. Alternatively, squeeze a small amount of the ointment onto the cotton portion of the Band-Aid instead of directly on the cut or abrasion.

• 3

  Position the cotton portion of the Band-Aid above the wound. Pinch the tabs on the underside of the bandage. Pull the tabs slowly away from the cotton center and in a downward direction against your skin. If you only have the use of one hand because the wound is on your arm, carefully pull away one tab at a time.

• 4

  Press down on both sides of the bandage to ensure a good seal against the skin. Avoid disturbing the middle cottony portion of the Band-Aid. Change the Band-Aid daily for up to a week to 10 days.