Bandages and dressings

Definition

Bandages and dressings are both used in wound management. A bandage is a piece of cloth or other
material used to bind or wrap a diseased or injured part of the body. Usually shaped as a strip or pad,
bandages are either placed directly against the wound or used to bind a dressing to the wound. A
dressing can consist of a wide range of materials, sometimes containing medication, placed directly
against the wound.

Purpose

The purposes served by dressings include protecting wounds; promoting healing; and providing,
retaining, or removing moisture. Bandages can be used to hold dressings in place, to relieve pain, and
generally to make the patient comfortable. Elastic bandages are useful to provide ongoing pressure on
wounds such as varicose veins, fractured ribs, and swollen joints.

A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing or splint, or
on its own to provide support to or to restrict the movement of a part of the body.

Bandages

Medical Bandages

Main Types of Bandages

The four main types of bandages are gauze, compression, triangular and tube. The bandages made from
cloth or from paper, these are exceptionally versatile.

Types of bandages

Gauze bandage (common gauze roller bandage)

The most common type of bandage is the gauze bandage, a simple woven strip of material, or a woven
strip of material with a Telfa absorbent barrier to prevent adhering to wounds. A gauze bandage can
come in any number of widths and lengths, and can be used for almost any bandage application,
including holding a dressing in place.

The term 'compression bandage' describes a wide variety of bandages with many different applications.

Short stretch compression bandages are applied to a limb (usually for treatment of lymphedema or
venous ulcers. This type of bandage is capable of shortening around the limb after application and is
therefore not exerting ever-increasing pressure during inactivity. This dynamic is called resting pressure
and is considered safe and comfortable for long-term treatment. Conversely, the stability of the
bandage creates a very high resistance to stretch when pressure is applied through internal muscle
contraction and joint movement. This force is called working pressure.

Long stretch compression bandages have long stretch properties, meaning their high compressive power
can be easily adjusted. However, they also have a very high resting pressure and must be removed at
night or if the patient is in a resting position.

Triangular bandage

Also known as a cravat bandage, a triangular bandage is a piece of cloth put into a right-angled triangle,
and often provided with safety pins to secure it in place. It can be used fully unrolled as a sling, folded as
a normal bandage, or for specialized applications, as on the head. One advantage of this type of
bandage is that it can be makeshift and made from a fabric scrap or a piece of clothing. The Boy Scouts
popularized use of this bandage in many of their first aid lessons, as a part of the uniform is a
"neckerchief" that can easily be folded to form a cravat.

Tube bandage

A tube bandage is applied using an applicator, and is woven in a continuous circle. It is used to hold
dressings or splints on to limbs, or to provide support to sprains and strains, and it stops bleeding.

Types of bandaging

Posted on July 25, 2014

by corinne grace

in Minor Emergencies

There are various ways of applying bandages to protect the injury site and to stabilize the involved part
of the body. There are ways to apply gauze or a bandage to an injury and the type of bandaging depends
on the part of the body where the injury happened. You can learn the methods by enrolling in a first aid
class.

The circular turn bandaging – this kind of bandaging is a simple wrap around the affected body part. You
place one end of the bandage to the injury and wrap the bandage material around the injury several
times and each turn covers the previous one. The end of the bandage is fastened using a tape or a safety
pin. The tape or fastener is placed over an uninjured part of the wrapped area. This kind of bandaging
will provide a thick support in one area. This kind of bandaging is good for injuries in the arms, legs,
fingers and toes.

The spiral turn bandaging – it is the best method of bandaging. It is usually used on injuries in the wrist,
upper legs and upper arms. You have to make two cylindrical turns around the area to be supported.
Wrap the bandage over itself, with each turn about 30-degree angle to one end before covering about
two-thirds of it. When finishing it, tuck the end of the bandage into a fold and put safety pins at the end
of the wrapping.

The spiral reverse turn – an intricate method used to bandage the lower forearms and calves. Begin by
wrapping the bandage around the wounded area twice. After that move the bandage to a 30-degree
angle and place the thumb of your free hand on the upper edge. Turn the bandage over so the side that
was on top is now at the bottom, and continue in the way to wrap around the limb so the folds in the
various turns will be in the same line then attach the end of the bandage with metal fastenings or safety
pins.

The figure-eight wrap – is used for joints in the knee and elbow. Wrapping the bandage around the back
of the joint and around so as to form an eight figure around the joints. Continue to wrap the bandaging
over it, covering about two-thirds of the next layer. Encircle the remaining wrap around the top of the
joint. Fasten the end of the bandaging with a first aid tape or safety pins.

Bandages

There are various ways of applying bandages to protect the injury site and to stabilize the involved part
of the body.

Different types of bandages that can be used for different kind of injury

Gauze bandage – it is a woven material wrapped around the injured part of the body and also aid in the
healing. It is used to prevent germs from entering the wound. It can hold a dressing containing ointment
to aid healing and prevent infection.

Short stretch bandages – used to prevent swelling and are made from tightly woven cotton. It also
provides sufficient pressure against the skin to prevent fluid build-up.

Long stretch or ace bandages – used to provide compression pressure to the limb, muscle or joints and
can be used on sprained ankle or wrist.

Read more: http://firstaidandcprcourses.ca/types-of-bandaging/#ixzz58pmNCHz8

What are the Different Types of Bandages?

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Image Credit: http://www.hzproduct.com

Injuries come unannounced and at anytime. But the important thing is to be prepared for the moment.
Mothers with kids always should have a first aid kit at home as children are more prone to small injuries
every now and then. Although these injuries are not very serious, if neglected can turn septic. And one
of the most important parts of every first aid kit is bandage. It is the final wrap used in all injury
treatments for keeping the medicines applied in place. These bandages come in large varieties and often
are used depending upon the type and intensity of wound and also the site of injury. This article gives
you a detailed overview on different types of bandages and their utility.

Content

What are the Different types of Bandages?

What are Gauze pads and rolls?

What are Triangular Bandages?

What are Adhesive tapes or Bandages?

When are Tubular Bandages used?

How are Roller Bandages used?

What are the Different types of Bandages?

Some of the most common and also not so common types of bandages are:

Elastic bandage

Adhesive Zinc-oxide bandage or adhesive strips

Gauze pads and rolls

Triangular bandages

Suspensory bandage

Gauze bandage with ‘plaster cast material’

Roller bandage

Four-tailed bandage

What are Gauze pads and rolls?

Gauze pads and rolls are available in the market in various lengths, width and sizes. These have the
ability to hold the injury after it is dressed. Due to this the injured area is held firm irrespective of the
part of the body injured. You can find this type of bandage very easily in the drugstore and can be used
for open wounds and abrasions. Gauze pads and rolls are used often in homes as well as in hospitals.

What are Triangular Bandages?

These are called triangular bandages because they are folded in triangular shape. These are more
commonly used to secure the dressing at one place, especially when the dressing is large. Apart from
this, they can also be used in almost all parts of the body from head to toe. It is easy to maneuver this
bandage so that it can easily applied to any body part. One of the important benefit is that triangular
bandages can be easily folded into any size and hence have varying utility.

What are Adhesive tapes or Bandages?

These types of bandages are used for supporting weakened joints of body such as knees or ankles. It is
also helpful in providing support to joints for short term and can be used in the recovery of sports or
occupational injury during rehabilitation process. Adhesive tapes or bandages consist of winding spool
along with adhesive components which do not cause any aggravation to the skin and hence can be
directly applied to the injured site and being stretchable is easily adaptable to any type of body
contours.

When are Tubular Bandages used?

Tubular bandages are especially meant for dressing on injured joints and fingers. These are specially
produced with seamless tubular fabric. For the joints, especially ankles, you can opt for elasticized
tubular bandages. They can be used on toes or fingers but are not at all helpful in stopping the bleeding.
How are Roller Bandages used?

Roller bandages are made up of muslin cloth and are so designed so they can stretch to a small extent.
Due to this it gets well-adjusted to the shape of the injured part and contours, keeping the dressing right
at its place. You can find it in various widths from around 11/2 inch to 4 inches. Narrower width roller
bandages are used for toes and fingers. Along with these types of bandages, adhesive strips are also
used for holding them firmly, especially on the injury in awkward area like ankle.