What are Some Different Types of Bandages?
No matter what type of minor injuries you might sustain, there are bandages available to help treat them. From simple gauze held on with medical tape to specially sized or shaped bandages with their own adhesives, you can find an appropriate way to cover and protect an injury. A bandage may be referred to as a Band-Aid®, but that is actually a proper brand name. Band-Aid® makes various convenient first aid products but is probably best known for different types of bandages.
A common type of adhesive bandage is usually made from a simple strip of plastic or fabric with gauze in the center. It has adhesive on both sides of the padded area. Generally, the shape is rectangular, often with rounded ends. A bandage may also be square and some come in tiny round shapes. The latter type is often used to cover an injection site or to dress a small cut such as a shaving cut.
Which type of bandages you choose will depend on not only the injuries but also on where the injuries are on the body. For example, injuries in awkward places where it is difficult to get adhesive backed bandages to stick may require stretchable, flexible, or specially shaped bandages. These types are usually made of stretchy fabric rather than plastic and some are even waterproof.
There are also special latex-free bandages for people who suffer from an allergy to latex. You can even find antibacterial or medicated options that come with medicine already applied to the padded area. As far as other specialty bandages go, there are many different styles available in different colors and cute characters, including your children’s favorite trademark characters. Be aware that children will likely want one for even the tiniest scratch when they see these cute bandages.
Elastic bandages, also known as compression bandages, are made of stretchable fabric and used to wrap injuries such as sprains. This type of bandage gives support to the affected area. Ace® is a well-known brand of elastic bandages, so this type may be referred to as an Ace® Bandage.
It is always a good idea to keep a first aid kit handy. It is best to include an astringent cleanser and a variety of bandages. There are also purse size or pocket-sized packets of bandages that are very handy, so you can always have them available when needed.
Written by Sherry Holetzky
