What Are Adhesive Bandages Used For?

Adhesive bandages are the most basic component of any first-aid kit. They have a variety of uses and are particularly important in dressing minor cuts and scrapes to children. They come packaged with a non-stick backing that peels off to expose a sticky grip that holds them securely around the wound.

Halting Bleeding

• The most basic function of an adhesive bandage is to dress a small wound and stop it from bleeding. This prevents both your clothing and the people around you from coming in contact with your blood. In addition, the light pressure caused from the bandage speeds the clotting process and gets the cut to stop bleeding sooner. To avoid a painful removal of the adhesive bandage, it is important that its gauze section fits entirely over the cut, without the wound touching the adhesive part of the strip.

Avoiding Infection

• An adhesive bandage is also useful in expediting the healing process. By covering the cut, it helps keep out dirt and other particles that could cause infection. Skin is able to grow back and form a healthy seal. Such bandages are particularly useful with small children, who are more likely than adults to come into contact with dirty surfaces and not wash the wound afterward. Some adhesive bandages have antibiotics in the pad to help cuts heal faster.

Cushioning a Cut

• An adhesive bandage can help cushion a cut, bruise or corn that rubs against clothing or shoes. It can cover blisters on hands and protect them from further abrasion. Such bandages are often used on the feet as well, to protect blisters caused by a new pair of shoes or intense physical activity.

Covering Blemishes

• Adhesive bandages can be used to cover blemishes, and sometimes tattoos. Adhesive bandages are often skin-colored so they can go undetected from a distance. But they can collect dirt and fray at the edges if they are not changed frequently.