Self-adhesive bandages are easy to use. However, to ensure they are firmly fixed without affecting blood circulation, it is recommended to follow these 5 steps. They are suitable for common areas such as wrists, ankles, and knees, and are universal for small wounds or sports protection.
Wash your hands first, then wipe and dry the area that needs bandaging. Sweat or water will reduce its stickiness.
Select the appropriate width: 2.5-3 cm for the wrist/fingers, 5-7.5 cm for the ankle/knee. The length is generally 4 to 5 meters, which is sufficient for one and a half to two circles.
Remove the plastic paper at the beginning of the bandage to expose the "non-adhesive" starting edge (most brands come with a 2-3 cm non-adhesive zone).
Stick this small piece onto the skin or backing cloth, and gently press it down. Do not stretch it to avoid it slipping off at the back.
Direction: Wrap from the "distal end" to the "proximal end" - for example, for the ankle, wrap from the toes towards the lower leg, and for the knee, wrap from the lower leg towards the thigh. This way, it won't impede the venous return.
Tension: While pulling and wrapping, the stretching range should be controlled at 30% to 50% of the original length (up to 70% at most). It is fine if you can feel the bandage rebound. Each circle should cover 1/2 to 2/3 of the previous circle, keeping it flat and free of wrinkles.
At the joint, use the "8-shaped cross" method: First, make a full circle to position, then diagonally upward to the opposite side, and then diagonally downward back to form an "8" shape, which can provide additional support for the ligaments.
Do not stretch the last circle. Just press it flat on the skin surface. The self-adhesive layer will bond by itself. If you are afraid of loosening, you can fold the end back by 1 cm and press it again. There is no need for adhesive tape pins.
Lift or move the distal limb to see if it turns purple, numb or cold. If a finger can be easily inserted, it indicates that the tightness is just right.
For daily protection, it can be removed after 4 to 6 hours. For external injury fixation, it is generally loosened and rewrapped once every 12 hours. Stop using it immediately if skin itching or rash occurs.
For open wounds, apply sterile dressings first. Do not let the bandage stick directly to the wound.
The same roll of bandage should not be reused more than 2 to 3 times. Replace it in time when its stickiness decreases.
Wrap your skin up 10 minutes in advance before exercising to ensure it adheres well to the bandage, which can reduce slippage during exercise.
By mastering the four mnemonic phrases "fix first - stretch then - flatten later - check frequently", self-adhesive bandages can be both stable and comfortable.
