A butterfly bandage can be used to close a deep laceration and to heal a major cut if you are not able to get to a hospital for stitches. A butterfly bandage can keep the wound closed and promote speedy healing. The bandage is easy to apply by sticking it to one side of the wound, pulling it over the wound, and sticking it to the other side. The adhesive surface of the bandage sticks well to skin without sticking to the wound. A butterfly bandage is an easy way to provide quick first aid for a cut that occurs at home or at work.
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When and How to Use a Butterfly Bandage
A first aid kit should contain several kinds of bandages that can be used to treat various types of cuts. One kind of bandage that you should have is a butterfly bandage. This can be used to treat a moderately serious injury. Here are some guidelines on when and how to use a butterfly bandage.
When to Use a Butterfly Bandage
A butterfly bandage can be used to seal a cut that is relatively small but deep. It should be used on a wound that is straight, not jagged. A wound of that kind may gape open. A butterfly bandage can close the wound to promote healing and reduce the risk of scarring. A butterfly bandage works best on a cut that is less than two inches in length. If the cut is longer, more than one bandage can be used to close it.
A butterfly bandage should not be used over a movable joint, such as an elbow, knuckle, or knee, because movement will pull on the cut and cause the wound to gape open. Cuts on movable joints should be treated with sutures by a doctor. If you have a very deep laceration, you should have a doctor evaluate it to decide if you need stitches.
How to Apply a Butterfly Bandage
Before you apply the butterfly bandage, you should clean and disinfect the wound. Apply the bandage across the width of the cut. Start on one side, apply the bandage, press the skin together to seal the cut, and then lightly apply the other side of the butterfly bandage to the skin on the other side of the cut. Avoid stretching the skin. You can cover the wound with gauze and adhesive to keep the bandage in place and keep the wound clean.
What to Do after You Apply a Butterfly Bandage
If you treat a cut with a butterfly bandage, leave the bandage on until it peels off on its own. It can take up to 10 to 14 days for the wound to heal. See a doctor if you experience redness around the site of the injury, red streaks, fever, drainage, swelling, tenderness in your groin or armpit, or an increase in pain or tenderness at the site of the injury.
Order a First Aid Kit from 1st Aid Supplies
1st Aid Supplies sells first aid kits and cabinets designed for work, home, school, and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Our kits come stocked with many essential supplies you may need to treat common injuries, including butterfly bandages. Every home, school, and business should have at least one first aid kit so you can be prepared to treat an unexpected injury.