Choose the dressings and bandages you need with complete peace of mind
It's important to keep in mind that dressings act like a sort of substitute skin while cuts, sprains and other minor accidents and ailments are healing. When used correctly, various supplies like gauze dressings, bandages and adhesive bandages will take care of your needs until you're all better again. And they're simple to use and provide complete peace of mind.
Dressings and bandages: like changing a spare part on the body
If you've hurt yourself but it's not serious, you'll find all the products you need at the pharmacy. Have you cut yourself? That's when dressings can behave almost like unbroken skin until the wound is fully healed, no matter the injury. Or if you've had a sprain or dislocated your ankle, there are effective supports and bandages to help out your joints. In a nutshell, these various types of dressings and bandages can provide complete protection from external pressures, impacts, friction, dirt and the risk of infection, as well as retaining moisture and preventing the loss of body fluids.
There are 2 types of dressings and bandages for treating wounds
First of all, keep in mind that there are 2 types of dressings and bandages available if you've hurt yourself. The primary ones are in direct contact with your wound or cut; the secondary ones help to hold these in place.
Protect minor injuries with adhesive bandages
Adhesive bandages are the best way to protect minor wounds and burns. They're a waterproof adhesive covering that also acts like a barrier against bacteria and contamination. Always check how big the wound is before buying the bandage that's right for you, as they come in all shapes and sizes. Some adhesive bandages are made to retain moisture, which promotes healing, and you can use them as both primary and secondary layers. You can also choose to use gauze pads for minor injuries, but only as the primary layer.
Protect scalds and burns with cotton dressings
If you've scalded or burned yourself, you can use cotton dressings to take care of the damaged area of the skin. You'll have to cool them beforehand, but sterile dressings can be either a primary layer when soaked in cold water, for example, or as a secondary layer for covering deeper injuries or skin that's been damaged by the sun. If you're after maximum convenience and comfort, you can even find adhesive bandages that are specifically designed for burns and scalds.
An eye bandage for eye injuries
If you injure your eyes, you must apply an adhesive eye bandage. They're usually sold in single pad packs. This breathable bandage isolates and protects your wound without irritating the skin. Remember to carefully clean and disinfect the wound before applying.
Bandages for sprains and vein disorders
When it comes to sprains, strains and other types of “twists” you may not need a plaster cast, as it may be enough to bind the injury with the right bandage. There are also elastic compression ones that are designed for taking care of disorders of the veins. Keep in mind that you have to use a clean bandage, but it doesn't necessarily have to be sterile. If you use bandages as secondary layers, apply it so that it keeps the primary one in place, but be careful not to make it too tight; you never want to interfere with blood circulation!
