Page 4 of Adhesive Bandages

Adhesive bandage sizes and shapes

The primary application for adhesive dressing is for treating minor injuries at home and work. Band-Aids are available as a continuous roll or as separately packaged, precut strips and squares. Rolls are usually between 0.5-inch and 1-inch-wide. Precut bandages vary from narrow strips for minor cuts through to square and rectangular bandages for larger wounds. Choose knuckle-type bandages for finger and upper palm type injuries. A common component of first aid kits, precut adhesive dressings come in packs of between 10 to 500 bandages.

Band-Aids for children

Soothe fretful children with brightly colored kiddy-type bandages. These adhesive dressings often have popular cartoon characters printed on the surface and unusual shapes and patterns to cheer up little people suffering inevitable mishaps. Available in small packs for home or larger quantities for schools, nurseries, and pediatric practices.

Sterile bandages

Keep wounds clean and free from infection with sterile bandages. Sterile adhesive plasters come separately wrapped and with a removable backing. These sterile dressings keep harmful bacteria away from wounds. Usually supplied with a waterproof backing, sterile bandages promote healing and prevent infection. Some contain antiseptic and antibiotic dressings to prevent further infection. Alternatively, for added protection, it's wise to use an antiseptic spray or antibiotic medical supplies prior to applying dressings.

Different types of adhesive bandages

When dressing a wound, it's important to choose the best type of dressing for each application. Some of the different types include:

• Woven fabric dressings: Easily applied, strong and flexible dressings that stretch to fit body contours, although with limited waterproofing qualities
• Plastic dressings: Low-cost dressings that keep water and oils out
• Dressing with blue foil strip: Special dressings with a brightly colored metal foil strip that's sensitive to metal detectors used in food and pharmaceutical manufacture
• Sheer fabric bandages: Although a plastic dressing, sheer fabric bandages incorporate fabrics that improve wound breathability

Always keep adhesive bandages at hand along with over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, such as pain relievers, for treating accidental wounds and cuts. Choose from the wide selection of bandages and over-the-counter medication at Quill.