Bandage
Encyclopedia
Dressing (medical)
A dressing is an adjunct used by a person for application to a wound to promote healing and/or prevent further harm. A dressing is designed to be in direct contact with the wound, which makes it different from a bandage, which is primarily used to hold a dressing in place...
or splint
Splint (medicine)
A splint is a device used for support or immobilization of limbs or of the spine.It can be used:* By the emergency medical services or by volunteer first responders, to immobilize a fractured limb before the transportation; it is then a temporary immobilization;* By allied health professionals such...
, or on its own to provide support to the body; they can also be used to restrict a part of the body. During heavy bleeding or following a poisonous bite it is important to slow the flow of blood, tight bandages accomplish this task very well. Bandages are available in a wide range of types, from generic cloth strips, to specialized shaped bandages designed for a specific limb or part of the body, although bandages can often be improvised as the situation demands, using clothing, blankets or other material.
In colloquial American English
American English
American English is a set of dialects of the English language used mostly in the United States. Approximately two-thirds of the world's native speakers of English live in the United States....
, the word "bandage" is often used to mean a dressing, which is used directly on a wound, whereas a bandage is technically only used to support a dressing, and not directly on a wound.
Gauze 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, which can come in any number of widths and lengths. A gauze bandage can be used for almost any bandage application, including holding a dressing in place.Compression bandage
The term 'compression bandage' describes a wide variety of bandages with many different applications.
Venous ulcer
Venous ulcers are wounds that are thought to occur due to improper functioning of venous valves, usually of the legs. They are the major cause of chronic wounds, occurring in 70% to 90% of chronic wound cases...
s). This type of bandage that 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.A lot of elastic is contra-indicated because not only does it not help anything improve but it can cause an aching leg. And if you have PAD (peripheral arterial disease) it can aggravate an already poor arterial supply. So, it is best to avoid elastic if you want a good therapeutic effect. Short Stretch Compression Application
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 cut 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 a t-shirt. The Boy Scouts popularized use of this bandage in many of their first aid lessons. They carry a cravat bandage with their uniform in the form of a neckerchief.When used to make a sling, for humerus or forearm fractures, it is best to tie the middle point. This goes under the elbow to help secure and restrict further movement of the arm. Next, take one of the long ends of the triangle bandage and tuck it under the arm. Then pull it over the injured shoulder and behind the neck. The other long end should be placed over the opposite should and tied with the other end on the side of the neck (not the back of the neck because of the pressure it places on it). Make sure the sling covers the arm from the elbow to or a little beyond the hand. To be nice you can also place something round in their hand to place the arm in a functioning position.
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 the bleeding.External links
www.thepurplewrap.com- How to apply a bandage in a figure of 8 around an ankle. (YouTube)
- How to apply a bandage in circular style around a wrist. (YouTube)
- Use of Paper Dressings for Wounds, Popular SciencePopular SciencePopular Science is an American monthly magazine founded in 1872 carrying articles for the general reader on science and technology subjects. Popular Science has won over 58 awards, including the ASME awards for its journalistic excellence in both 2003 and 2004...
monthly, February 1919, page 68, Scanned by Google Books: http://books.google.com/books?id=7igDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68 - A Mechanical Helper for the Red Cross, Popular SciencePopular SciencePopular Science is an American monthly magazine founded in 1872 carrying articles for the general reader on science and technology subjects. Popular Science has won over 58 awards, including the ASME awards for its journalistic excellence in both 2003 and 2004...
monthly, February 1919, page 74, Scanned by Google Books: http://books.google.com/books?id=7igDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74