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How do I Choose the Best Finger Bandages?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Just as there are several different types of wounds than can occur on a finger, there are several types of finger bandages to apply to them. Learning which of these provide maximum protection and comfort can be dtermined through a few simple factors. The size of the cut or abrasion and the exact location of the finger wound can help determine the most appropriate bandage to use. Other factors to consider are finger bandages that provide an antibacterial barrier to guard against potential infection.

If your cut is severe enough to require a trip to the hospital emergency room, perhaps the attending physician will use a medical-grade hospital bandage. Most likely, you will be given a few to take home with you. The fibers that are used in these bandages are typically more substantial than most over-the-counter brands. If you prefer this type of bandage, it might be found at a medical supply store.

A woman with her fingers wrapped.
A woman with her fingers wrapped.

Cuts or scrapes located on or around the knuckle area are often difficult to cover with ordinary bandages. That's why there are finger bandages made specifically for this purpose. Knuckle bandages include an H-shaped pattern. These are made to fold over the finger joints and stay in place.

Depending on your preference, opting to use gauze bandages might provide you with added protection from contamination. Gauze can come rolled or individually wrapped. Individually-wrapped packages ensure the product is sterile until opened. If you decide to use gauze finger bandages, you'll most likely need to secure them with bandage tape. This could be useful if the finger is immobilized with a splint.

Most common household finger bandages come in two choices of materials. Typically, plastic bandages are a common and inexpensive choice. Another popular choice is fabric. You can also choose latex-free bandages.

Small adhesive bandages are ideal for small cuts on the fingers.
Small adhesive bandages are ideal for small cuts on the fingers.

Many people require bandages that stay secure while swimming or showering. For that need, it's best to select waterproof finger bandages. These bandages generally have better adhesive backing and will adhere to the skin even when wet. They are also made to keep wounds dry. Cuts that are prone to becoming wet will often delay healing.

If you're concerned about preventing infection, you might consider a bandage that has an antibiotic built in to the pad. This works well for daily changes of the bandage. Antibiotic ointments that are built directly into the pad itself might not require additional use of an antibiotic ointment. This could save money in the long run. In addition to providing protection against germs, the antibiotic bandages promote faster healing times, according to experts.

Discussion Comments

discographer

I came to know about butterfly bandages recently and I'm so glad I did. Last month, I got a bad cut on my finger while cutting vegetables at work. The cut didn't seem so bad at first but then it didn't stop bleeding. I went to the emergency and after cleaning my cut, the nurse placed a butterfly bandage on it. It's a tiny bandage in the shape of a butterfly. It works to keep two ends of a cut together so that the skin binds faster.

I had never seen such a bandage before but it worked so well and my cut healed in less than a week. I had such cuts before that would take more than two weeks to heal. The other day, I was at the pharmacy and saw that they carry the same butterfly bandages. I bought a pack right away. These are definitely the best healing bandages for deep cuts.

serenesurface

@turkay1-- It might be because you're using plastic bandages. Plastic bandages generally work well but plastic can't absorb moisture. So if you're getting your bandaged finger wet or if you're sweating, this might be the problem.

I would recommend cloth bandages to you. These are made of cotton, so they will absorb any excess moisture. But with any bandage, you have to keep your finger out of water. If you get it wet, it will stay wet.

Also, don't stick the bandage on too tightly as that might cause sweating. Choose a cloth bandage with antibiotic ointment on it and bandage it loose enough to allow circulation. Your cut should heal much more quickly this way and without getting infected.

candyquilt

The problem I seem to have with bandages is that it keeps the cut too moist which seems to make it harder to heal. I've been avoiding using bandages for this reason.

After I apply a bandage on a cut, the next day I remove it to replace it with a fresh one and the skin around the cut is all wrinkled as if it was in water for a long time. And the cut looks like it just happened! No matter how many days I wear the bandage, my cuts just don't heal like they do when they're left open. But of course the problem with that is the risk of infection.

Do you think this is because I use plastic bandages? What kind of a finger bandage should I be using to avoid this problem?

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    • A woman with her fingers wrapped.
      By: LockStockBob
      A woman with her fingers wrapped.
    • Small adhesive bandages are ideal for small cuts on the fingers.
      By: F.C.G.
      Small adhesive bandages are ideal for small cuts on the fingers.
    • Individually wrapped gauze packs are sterile until opened.
      By: picsfive
      Individually wrapped gauze packs are sterile until opened.
    • Most adhesive bandages are available in stretchy plastic or cloth, which enables them to be easily secured around the finger.
      By: Gang
      Most adhesive bandages are available in stretchy plastic or cloth, which enables them to be easily secured around the finger.