A self-adhesive bandage, also known as a cohesive bandage, is a flexible wrap designed to stick securely only to itself, not to skin, hair, or clothing. This self-adherence is achieved through a woven material, often a blend of cotton and polymer yarns, coated with a substance that coheres upon contact. The wrap provides support without the need for clips or tape. Cohesive wraps are widely used to provide light support for sprains, offer compression to minimize swelling, or securely hold primary wound dressings and gauze in place.
Preparing the Area and Initial Setup
The application process begins not with the wrap, but with proper preparation of the area to be bandaged. Since a self-adhesive bandage is a secondary dressing, it should never be placed directly onto an open wound or broken skin. Any injury must first be covered with a sterile, non-adherent dressing or gauze pad to protect the wound surface.
The skin surrounding the area should be clean and completely dry to ensure the bandage layers adhere effectively and do not trap moisture. Before initiating the wrap, unroll a small section of the bandage to avoid applying excessive tension directly from the roll. Holding the loose end of the bandage against the prepared area with one hand, gently start the first wrap with minimal tension to create a stable anchor point on the limb.
Wrapping Techniques for Different Body Parts
Proper wrapping mechanics are necessary to ensure the bandage provides the intended support or compression without causing harm. It is standard practice to begin the wrap at the point furthest from the heart, or below the site of injury, and move upward toward the torso. This upward direction promotes proper fluid return and helps reduce localized swelling.
Controlling the tension during application is the most important element, as the bandage’s stretch allows for a wide range of compression. For simple support, apply only light tension, stretching the material minimally as you wrap. To achieve moderate compression, such as for managing swelling, apply a gentle stretch to make the bandage snug.
On straight limbs, like the forearm or calf, each subsequent layer should overlap the previous layer by approximately one-half to two-thirds of the bandage’s width to create even pressure. When wrapping joints like the ankle or elbow, a figure-eight pattern is often employed to allow for movement while maintaining coverage and support. After the final layer is applied, simply press the bandage down firmly to activate the self-adherence between the layers.
Monitoring for Proper Fit and Circulation
After the cohesive bandage is applied, check for signs that the wrap is too tight, which can restrict blood flow and nerve function. You should check the area distal to the wrap—meaning the fingers or toes—for any adverse changes. Signs of restricted circulation include a pale, bluish, or mottled skin color, along with a cold temperature compared to the opposite limb.
The wearer may also report symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation, which indicates pressure on the nerves. A simple check is to attempt to slip one fingertip easily under the top and bottom edges of the bandage; if this is difficult, the wrap may be overly restrictive. If any of these signs develop, the bandage must be removed immediately and reapplied with significantly less tension to prevent potential tissue damage.
Safe Removal and Disposal
Generally, self-adhesive bandages are intended for short-term use, typically worn for a day or two before being replaced or removed for periods of rest. If the bandage is applied for compression, it should be loosened or removed before sleeping to allow for unobstructed overnight circulation. The cohesive nature of the material makes removal simple, as the bandage does not stick to the skin and can be unrolled from the end.
The bandage is hand-tearable. If cutting is required, use blunt-tipped medical scissors to avoid nicking the skin, sliding the blunt tip along the skin beneath the bandage to cut away from the body. Since cohesive bandages are single-use disposable items, they should be discarded after removal, particularly if they have been contaminated with blood or other fluids.