Types of Bandages & How to Choose

Strip Bandages: Strip bandages are small squares of non-stick gauze fastened to a narrow adhesive strip that comes in a variety of materials, sizes, and styles.

BAND-AID® SKIN-FLEX® Bandages – Made with durable and flexible material that can move with the body for a snug fit and wound protection.

Knuckle & Fingertip Bandages: Finger and knuckle bandages have a unique shape made to wrap around the finger to provide a good seal even with frequent hand movement. You can also use a fingertip or knuckle bandage for an injured toe.

BAND-AID® Flexible Fabric Knuckle & Fingertip Bandages – Are specially designed bandages shaped to fi snugly over fingertips and knuckles for wound protection in hard-to-cover places.

Sheer & Clear Bandages: Sheer bandages are designed to provide discreet wound protection with good breathability for increased comfort. Clear bandages have a transparent adhesive that blends into the appearance of any skin tone.

BAND-AID® TRU-STAY™ Sheer Strips COMFORT-FLEX® Adhesive Bandages – Made with a lightweight adhesive and quilted non-stick gauze to offer durable yet sheer protection.

Fabric Bandages: Fabric bandages can offer more reliability than plastic or foam bandages in conditions that require a lot of movement.
BAND-AID® Flexible Fabric Bandages– Designed with a unique MEMORY WEAVE® fiber blend that acts like a second skin and dries quickly when wet.

Gauze: Gauze pads are another kind of material that can be used for hard-to-bandage areas and can also be used as a primary dressing for wound care and first aid.

BAND-AID® Flexible Rolled Gauze Large – This first aid gauze is designed with a special KLING® technology, so it can secure to itself to stay in place, even in hard to cover areas. Stretches and secures to itself for freedom of movement.

Waterproof bandages use hydrophobic adhesives that provide increased protection against external moisture.

BAND-AID® WATER BLOCK FLEX™ Adhesive Bandages – Are designed with a waterproof material with a four-sided seal that helps lock out dirt and germs whilst keeping wounds clean and dry.

Innovative hydrocolloid gel bandages create a moist healing environment³ that helps to prevent scab formation while drawing fluids out of the wound which can be seen as a white bubble forming under the bandage.

BAND-AID® HYDRO SEAL™ Advanced Healing Bandages – Are designed with a patented hydrocolloid technology that offers a double-sided seal to help keep germs out and and the body’s natural healing power in.

Medicated bandages are pre-treated with an antibiotic solution, eliminating the need to apply additional ointment to the wound before covering.

BAND-AID® With Polysporin® Infection Defense™ Bandages – Polysporin® antibiotic ointment is infused into the bandage pad for extra-strength bacterial defense.

Select a bandage that is large or small enough to cover the size of your wound. For example, don't choose a burn bandage for a cut. Instead, choose the best bandage for an open wound.

Certain types of bandage adhesives can cause redness, itching, and even blistering in severe cases⁵. If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to adhesives, look for a skin-friendly bandage material such as the BAND-AID® SKIN-FLEX Gentle Care bandages made for delicate skin.

Choose a bandage that will work for the placement of your wound, like on a knuckle or knee. Look for a combination of size, shape, and material flexibility when selecting a bandage type for parts of the body that move a lot.

Select bandages designed to withstand more wear and tear if you work outdoors or in wet environments. For example, fabric bandages are likely to hold up better for someone who works with their hands than plastic bandages that don’t have as much give.

Choose a hydrocolloid bandage for wounds that will heal better in a moist and clean environment. You can also use this type of bandage to “draw” out fluids from small wounds and clogged pores⁶.

Select a bandage with the appropriate adhesive strength to provide you with all-day protection.