Precautions for using adhesive bandages

In life, there are always times when small wounds occur, so adhesive bandages have become essential medical supplies in every household. Adhesive bandages have certain hemostatic and wound protection functions, but some injuries cannot be treated with just a bandage.

The adhesive bandage has a small piece of medicated gauze in the middle, which serves as a hemostatic pad, suitable for relatively superficial, clean, and tidy wounds with minimal bleeding that do not require stitches. However, adhesive bandages have poor breathability, and prolonged use can hinder the drainage of wound secretions, leading to bacterial growth and worsening wound infections. Generally, adhesive bandages should not be used for more than 24 hours, and if the wound shows any abnormal changes, medical attention should be sought promptly.
1. Severe wounds should not be covered with a bandage. Severe wounds are particularly prone to ulceration and inflammation, especially burns and scalds, which are more likely to become pus-filled, so do not attempt to treat them yourself; seeking medical attention is the best choice.
2. Animal bites should not be covered, such as bites from cats or dogs. These animal bites may leave toxins and bacteria in the wound, and applying a bandage directly will only cause the virus to spread further, leading to wound infection. Therefore, the wound should be cleaned and disinfected immediately with soap water or saline, and then kept exposed, seeking medical attention and receiving a rabies vaccine if necessary.

3. Deep and narrow wounds should not be covered, such as puncture wounds from nails or sharp objects. These wounds are deep and narrow, and combined with the non-breathability of adhesive bandages, they can lead to rapid bacterial proliferation, especially with anaerobic bacteria like tetanus. It is best to keep the wound exposed to prevent infection, and a tetanus serum injection can be administered under a doctor's guidance.

4. Minor abrasions of the epidermis do not require a bandage: Generally, for minor superficial abrasions, direct disinfection with iodine or hydrogen peroxide is sufficient, and there is no need to use an adhesive bandage. Sometimes using a bandage can not only delay the healing of the abrasion but may also lead to bacterial growth, affecting the health of the wound.
The correct way to use an adhesive bandage is to first clean and disinfect the wound with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or iodine, and then apply the bandage. The bandage should not be wrapped too tightly to avoid affecting the wound's breathability and blood circulation. It is crucial not to apply the bandage directly on the wound to prevent harmful bacteria from causing infection. Deeper wounds can be temporarily cared for with a bandage after cleaning, but proper disinfection by a doctor is essential.

It is particularly important to note that when the adhesive bandage gets wet, it should be replaced immediately with a new one, as adhesive bandages have good water absorption. If not replaced, the wound may remain submerged in water, leading to infection. Of course, when applying an adhesive bandage, it is also advisable to avoid swimming.