Most compression bandages are 2 to 4 inches (5. 1 to 10. 2 cm) wide. Choose narrow bandages to wrap around hands or feet while you use wider bandages for knees or upper legs.
If you’re wrapping a sprained wrist, hold your hand out straight and wrap an end of the bandage across your hand below the fingers. Then, wrap the bandage across your hand near the base of the thumb. Keep wrapping across the wrist while you apply slight pressure. Compression bandages work best for venous ulcers, lymphoedema, and gross varices.
If the sling is wrapped around an arm injury, check that the bandage isn’t pulling tightly around the person’s neck. If you’re trying to care for your own injury, ask a friend to help you make the bandage into a sling.
Repeat this for the opposite side of the bandage to compare how much pressure you feel. If 1 side feels tighter or looser than the other, unwrap the bandage and wrap it again.
Using the compression bandage with a brace or crutch could speed your healing time.
Turns blue or purple Feels cool to the touch Feels tingly or numb Becomes more painful
If you don’t have access to water, dab the wound with an alcohol-free wipe. Try not to use fluffy cotton balls to clean or dry the injury since the tiny fibers can stick to the area.
Having a well-stocked first-aid kit means that it will be easier to find the right bandage for your situation. Go through your first-aid kit every few months and stock up on bandages that you are low on.
If the injury is bleeding, press on it gently with clean gauze to stop the bleeding before you put the bandage on. Simple bandages stop germs from getting into the wound. They can also protect the injured area from getting hurt even more.
Remove the bandage and try to reapply it so it’s looser. If the bandage isn’t sticky anymore, use a new one.
