DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

An Assignment On
“Bandage”
Course Title: General Surgery
Course Code: SGR-3202
Credit: 1

Submitted By Submitted To

Name: Ummay Sadia Jahan Meem Name: Dr. Sabuj Kanti Nath
ID: 2001025 Lecturer,
Reg. No: 00085 Department of Animal Nutrition
Level: 3 Semester: II Faculty of Veterinary, Animal &
Session: 2019-20 Biomedical Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary, Animal & Khulna Agricultural University,
Biomedical Sciences Khulna

Submission deadline: 06.02.24

Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences

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 Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna-9200
Bandage

A bandage is a strip of fabric used especially to cover, dress, and bind up wounds. It can also
restrict movement to aid in healing, prevent additional damage, and even apply pressure to
control bleeding.

Types of Bandage

Some basic types of bandages are discussed below:

1) Adhesive Bandage:
The very common type of bandage which can be found in basic first aid kits. It is used in
wounds that are not serious, and only need basic dressing.

Fig.1: Adhesive Bandage

2) Elastic Bandage (Compression Bandage):

When there’s a need of pressure in the wound or the muscle, elastic bandages come into use.
These stretchable bandages have a distinct role in first aid, providing support to soft tissue
injuries, and sprained or strained limbs, reducing swelling, and aiding in managing chronic
conditions like varicose veins.

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 Fig.2: Elastic Bandage

3) Triangular Bandage (Cravat Bandage)

They are mostly used for arm or limb injuries. A triangular shape cloth is cut and goes around
the neck hanging the injured arm. It creates a stable position for the wounded limb to limit
further movement or damage.

Fig.3: Triangular Bandage

4) Gauze Bandage (Common Gauze Roller Bandage)

In case of deep or larger wounds, gauze bandages are used. They can be used along with
other dressings to create a stronghold against blood vessels developing an extra layer of
protection against external contamination.

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 Fig.4: Gauze Bandage

5) Tubular Bandage
“Tubular bandage is an elasticated gauze bandage, woven in a continuous circle so as to
provide uniform compression when applied to arms, legs, ankles, and
wrists.”(aerohealth.com) They are very good at supporting limbs due to serious injuries.
Other splinter bandages are used with tubular bandages to create proper support.

Fig.5: Tubular Bandage

6) Conforming Bandages
Conforming bandages are a type of medical bandage that is designed to easily adapt to the
shape of the body. These bandages are stretchable and provide a snug fit, making them ideal
for securing wound dressings or supporting injured limbs. They are commonly used in first
aid and medical settings to hold dressings in place and provide support to areas that may need
compression or immobilization.

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 Fig.6: Conforming Bandage

7) Specialized Bandages
Specialized bandages refer to a category of medical dressings that are designed for specific
purposes, conditions, or areas of the body. Unlike general-purpose bandages, specialized
bandages are tailored to meet the unique requirements of certain medical situations. Here are
some examples of specialized bandages:

Compression Bandages, Hydrocolloid Bandage, Foam Dressings, Non-Adherent Dressings,

Antimicrobial Dressings, Alginate Dressings etc.

General procedure for bandaging a wound:

1. Prepare: Wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all the necessary
supplies: sterile bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, antiseptic solution (if available),
and gloves (if preferred).
2. Assess the Wound: Evaluate the wound's size, depth, and severity. Clean the wound
gently with mild soap and water or an antiseptic solution to remove dirt and debris.
Pat dry with a clean cloth.
3. Apply an Ointment or Medication (if prescribed): If instructed by a healthcare
professional, apply a thin layer of prescribed ointment or medication to the wound to
aid in healing.
4. Select the Appropriate Bandage: Choose a bandage that suits the type and size of the
wound. For larger wounds, use sterile gauze pads or combine multiple bandages to
cover the entire area.

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 5. Position the Bandage: Carefully place the bandage over the wound, ensuring it covers
the entire affected area. Make sure not to apply too much pressure that could restrict
blood flow or cause discomfort.
6. Secure the Bandage: Use medical tape or secure the ends of the bandage to keep it in
place. Make sure the bandage is snug but not too tight to impede circulation.
7. Check for Comfort and Functionality: Ensure the bandage allows for comfortable
movement and does not restrict any nearby joints or body parts. Check that it stays in
place and doesn't unravel easily.
8. Monitor and Change the Bandage: Regularly check the wound for any signs of
infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain. Change the bandage as needed,
typically every 24 hours or as advised by a healthcare professional.

How to use a bandage

Using a bandage properly depends on the type of bandage and the wound it's being applied
to. Here's a general guide on how to use a typical adhesive bandage:

1. Prepare the Wound: Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water or an antiseptic
solution. Pat it dry with a clean cloth before applying the bandage.
2. Select the Right Size: Choose a bandage that comfortably covers the wound and
extends slightly beyond its edges to secure it properly.
3. Peel Off the Protective Cover: If using an adhesive bandage with a protective cover,
peel it off to expose the adhesive side.
4. Apply the Bandage: Carefully place the pad of the bandage over the wound, ensuring
it covers the entire affected area. Press down firmly on the adhesive edges to secure
the bandage in place.
5. Smooth Out the Bandage: Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles by gently pressing
the bandage against the skin.
6. Check for Comfort and Security: Make sure the bandage is comfortably applied and
securely in place. It should not be too tight to restrict circulation nor too loose that it
easily falls off.
7. Monitor and Change as Needed: Regularly check the wound for signs of infection or
if the bandage gets wet or dirty. Change the bandage if it becomes soiled or as
directed by a healthcare professional.

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Use of Bandage

Bandages serve several purposes in wound care and first aid:

1. Protection: Bandages protect wounds from further injury, dirt, bacteria, and other
contaminants that could lead to infection.
2. Aid Healing: They create a barrier around the wound, promoting a moist environment
that supports the body's natural healing process. Some bandages also contain
medications or ointments that aid in healing.
3. Absorbency: Certain types of bandages, like gauze pads, absorb blood, exudate, or
other fluids from the wound, keeping it clean and dry for better healing.
4. Compression and Support: Elastic or compression bandages provide support and
compression to injured limbs or joints, helping reduce swelling and providing
stability.
5. Facilitate Medication Delivery: Some specialized bandages are designed to deliver
medications directly to the wound, promoting healing or preventing infection.
6. First Aid: Bandages are an essential component of first aid kits, enabling immediate
care for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and other injuries.

Complications of bandage

Complications associated with bandages include:

1. Skin Irritation: Prolonged use of bandages can cause skin irritation, redness, or even
allergic reactions, especially if the bandage material is not breathable.
2. Pressure Ulcers: Improperly applied or too-tight bandages can lead to pressure ulcers,
particularly in bony prominences or areas with compromised circulation.
3. Restricted Blood Flow: Overly tight bandages can restrict blood flow, leading to
impaired circulation and potential tissue damage.
4. Infection: If the bandage is not sterile or if it becomes contaminated, it can introduce
bacteria to the wound site, increasing the risk of infection.
5. Delayed Healing: Bandages that are too tight or not properly applied can hinder the
body's natural healing process by impeding oxygen flow to the wound site.
6. Tissue Damage: Rough handling or improper removal of bandages can cause damage
to the surrounding skin or underlying tissues.

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References

Wittle, Alex. “What Are the Different Types of Bandages Used in First Aid?” Emergency
USA, 19 June 2023, emergencyusa.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-different-types-of-
bandages-used-in-first-aid.

Aero Healthcare. “Different Types of Bandages and Their Uses.” Aero Healthcare, 25
July 2023, aerohealthcare.com/news/articles/different-types-of-bandages-and-their-
uses.

Wikipedia contributors. "Bandage." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The

Free Encyclopedia, 9 Jan. 2024. Web. 31 Jan. 2024.