From surgery to minor wounds, the use of bandaging is important. In first aid kits, they play a significant t role as over-the-counter remedies. They help cover the wounds, protect the skin against infection, as well as prevent bleeding gradually.
The right bandage is an effective and safe option for a speedy recovery. Some other benefits of bandages include relieving inflammation, immobilizing joints, relieving muscle spasms, strengthening muscles, increasing circulation, and reducing joint and muscle pain. However, different types of bandages are available for specific applications and purposes depending on the body parts.
To ensure that the wound is properly managed, you need to be aware of the types of bandages used for specific injuries. Let's take a look at the different types of bandaging used in nursing to treating patients.
The word compression bandage encompasses a diverse variety of bandages with different purposes and applications. Some other names are AeroForm Bandages, Heavyweight Conforming Bandages, and Elastic Bandages. In general, a compression bandage consists of a long bandage made of stretchable material. The material is specifically designed to provide extreme support for tissue injuries by applying pressure to the affected area.
Compression bandages are also divided into the following parts:
This bandage type is commonly used to treat venous ulcers. The short compression bandage is able to shrink around the limb after application, thereby never increasing pressure during activity. They are used for the management of inflammation while only enabling a mild range of stretch. It provides high resistance against muscle contraction and outward motion.
Usage – These bandages are suited for managing venous leg ulcers, lymphedema, edema, and a poisonous bite.
These bandages are capable of pressure while you're resting and can be applied to the contours of the body part. The primary purpose of a long stretch bandage is to support and relieve tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Long-stretch bandages need not be placed during sleep as they have high resting pressure capabilities.
Usage – Long stretch compression bandages are ideal for supporting sprains and strains, offering mild compression, and holding splints in position.
Also called gauze roller bandage, this is the most used and popular type of bandage. It is available in several lengths and widths and can be utilized for a wide variety of bandage applications, such as keeping a dressing in position. They comprise a woven strip made of absorbent material to prevent adhering to wounds.
Usage – A gauze bandage is one of the most versatile bandages. It is used for different applications, such as compression, medium injury support, as well as placing a dressing in location.
These types of bandages fall under the category of compression bandages. It is made of self-adhesive material. With a cohesive bandage, you are able to securely cover the injured area by sticking the bandage to the skin, eliminating the need for bandage clips. These bandages differ from others in that they adhere to themselves and can freely move without bunching.
Usage – Since cohesive bandages are elastic and conform lessen, they are best suited for supporting injuries related to soft tissues, holding the dressing in location, and stabilizing joints.
Sometimes called a cravat bandage, a triangular bandage is often adhered to using safety pins to hold it in place. This piece of cloth is located in a right-angled triangle and is designed for special purposes, especially on the arm. A notable advantage of this bandage is that it is made from a piece of cloth, such as a piece of fabric, and can be temporary.
Usage – A versatile bandage type, they can be used to join broken bones, apply compression to bleeding or inflamed wounds, and as a general bandage to secure dressings or injured limbs or as a sling support.
Other names are tube bandages. It is an elastic gauze bandage type that is repeatedly woven in circles to support strains and sprains and hold splints onto limbs or dressings. In simple terms, tubular bandages can provide uniform compression when wrapped around the legs, arms, wrists, and ankles.
Usage – This type of bandage is best suited for supporting joints during activity, holding dressings in position, and eliminating swelling.
Liquid bandage is a modern skin treatment used to cure minor wounds. It helps bind the skin while forming protective layers to keep germs and dirt away and moisture in. If the wound is small in size or minor, a liquid adhesive can be used to cover the wound so that the bleeding would be stopped.
One of the fastest and easiest bandages to apply, but it can cause a slight sensation when applied. However, these bandages close the cut after only one application. This has the advantage of reducing the chance of infection as the cut is closed.
Usage – Liquid bandages are appropriate for use on the wound to shut it and prevent bleeding.
Sometimes called medical plaster or sticking plaster, an adhesive bandage is a minor medical dressing plaster used for minor wounds instead of serious injuries. These bandages help protect the scab and wound from damage, abrasion, dirt, and bacteria. The best part is that it helps to keep the two cuts together in one place to speed up the healing process. A sticky bandage is a flexible, small sheet of material that has a sticky portion on one side and a non-sticky on the other side.
Usage – This bandage type is designed to protect the scab and minor wounds from damage, dirt, bacteria, and friction.
A specific kind of compression bandage, snake bite bandage, is purposed for use with the pressure immobilization method. It is a specified treatment for stings and bits.
Usage – As this bandage effectively blocks the lymph flow, it helps prevent the free movement of toxins. Therefore, it is best suited for funnel webbed spider bite, snake bite, cone shell sting, and blue-ringed octopus bite treatment.
Final Words
Knowing the correct type of bandage can help early heal certain types of injuries and wounds. As with first aid care, you need to be aware of each kind of bandage.