In life we will often encounter or encounter this or that small injury, because the wound is small or feel insignificant, we usually choose to bandage it ourselves, what will you think of at this time? Band-Aids, by the way, are always in demand. Band-Aids are available in almost every family’s medicine cabinet and are a common household item that is convenient and safe when dealing with small accidental wounds, but not all cases are suitable for the use of Band-Aids, and there are some precautions to take when using Band-Aids. So, let’s take a look at the correct use of Band-Aids! First, let’s understand Band-Aids! Band-Aid is also called benzalkonium chloride patch, commonly known as “hemostatic ointment”, mainly composed of adhesive tape and absorbent pad, with the role of hemostasis, wound protection, can adsorb wound exudate, play a role in drying the wound; does not have anti-inflammatory, sterilization effect, because of its poor permeability, there is a possibility of inducing infection. It is suitable for small wounds with superficial wounds, neat and clean wounds, little bleeding and no need for sutures. Band-aid is not a panacea, but a small wound. Band-aid is not a panacea, it only plays the role of waterproof, anti-bacterial and anti-foreign body wound protection, and is only suitable for small wounds, and the small wound here must be a superficial wound with neat wound, little bleeding and no need for stitches, not a deep wound. In addition, before using a Band-Aid, the wound must be fully rinsed with clean water or saline, and the wound must be rinsed clean and disinfected with iodophor before applying the Band-Aid to effectively prevent infection. Which cases can not use Band-Aids? 1, large or deep wounds: the wound is significantly larger than the width of the Band-Aid absorbent pad, the wound is too large Band-Aid can not completely cover the exposed part of the wound is prone to infection, even if the paste two or more, due to cross-use is still prone to infection; depth greater than 0.5 cm should not be used, too deep wounds prone to anaerobic bacterial infection, common as tetanus is this category. 2, has been infected or septic wounds: If the wound is not the first time effective disinfection, infection is likely to have occurred, there will be redness or exudate around the wound, and even some wounds have been septic, at this time the use of Band-Aids has been inappropriate, easily leading to more serious infections occur. Professional surgeons are needed to deal with before dressing. 3, animal bite wounds: wounds or bites and other wounds caused by animals, do not use Band-Aids to avoid the accumulation or spread of venom and germs in the wound. In the first instance, the wound should be rinsed with water, purified water, saline for more than 15 minutes or 2% soapy water, hydrogen peroxide or 75% alcohol repeatedly for at least 5 minutes. 4, boils, heavy pollution or burns trauma: skin follicle infection, heavy pollution or burns trauma, because the absorbency and breathability of Band-Aids can not meet the requirements of such wounds wound healing, but conducive to bacterial growth and reproduction aggravate the infection. How to use Band-Aids correctly? Generally speaking, if it is only a minor epidermal abrasion, there is no need to use band-aids, as long as the iodine or ethanol coated, it can play a role in preventing infection. If you are not sure, you can then apply a thin layer of purple salve. In this way, after two days or so, the wound can be crusted and dry. If you use band-aids, first of all, check whether there is dirt in the wound, such as unclean things, shall use sterilized saline to clean the wound first, and then put on the band-aid. If the wound is pierced by nails and other objects and deep, you should immediately go to the hospital and need to inject tetanus antitoxin. Second, after opening the band-aid, avoid contaminating the surface. When applying the patch, the medicated surface must be aligned with the wound and slightly pressurized on both sides of the wound after the patch is applied. Note: When removing the paper from the surface of the band-aid, do not touch the absorbent pad with your fingers to avoid contaminating it and reducing the possible infection factor. Are waterproof band-aids not afraid of water? Waterproof band-aids are not watertight for a long time. If the Band-Aid does not adhere tightly to the skin around the wound, especially in special areas such as fingertips, knees and elbows, waterproofing becomes less “waterproof”. The correct approach is to use waterproof band-aids with minimal contact with water, to observe and protect the wound, and to replace water-soaked band-aids in a timely manner. How often should band-aids be changed? Although Band-Aids are convenient and have a good hemostatic and protective effect on some small wounds, they are not a panacea and should not be used for a long time. If the wound is not breathable, improperly treated, and the band-aids have not been replaced, but will aggravate the wound deterioration. Therefore, band-aids should be replaced at least once a day to avoid blocking the skin pores for a long time and causing discomfort due to poor local skin ventilation. After using the band-aids, you need to pay attention to the changes in the wound and replace them regularly, so as to prevent the wound from becoming infected and septic. If the Band-Aid is applied for more than 24 hours, the pain of the wound increases, and there is even leakage of secretions, it needs to be opened and examined in time. If the wound is found to be red, swollen, oozing and some other infection phenomenon, we must immediately stop using the band-aids and go to the hospital in a timely manner.