Bandage is any material used to wrap or cover a wound or injured body part. Bandages may be used to hold a dressing for a wound in place. They can also be used to apply pressure to a wound to help control bleeding, to prevent dirt and germs from infecting a wound, and to support injured limbs or body parts.
The most common type of bandage is a commercially manufactured pad of gauze on an adhesive strip. It is available in assorted sizes. Another commercially made bandage, called a bandage compress, combines a thick, gauze dressing with a gauze bandage that can be tied in place. It is designed to control bleeding.
A roller bandage is usually made of gauze or gauzelike material. It is available in assorted widths and is from 5 to 10 yards (4.6 to 9.1 meters) long. A roller bandage is generally wrapped in place over a dressing. A special roller bandage, called an elastic bandage, is made of heavy elastic fibers. It is designed to hold continuous pressure on a body part. When properly applied, it can help to control swelling in the injured area. This bandage is commonly used in athletic settings.
A triangular bandage is made by cutting a 40-inch (100-centimeter) square of muslin or similar cloth into two triangular pieces. When folded, the triangular bandage will hold a dressing or a splint in place on nearly any part of the body. It is often used as a sling to support an injured shoulder, arm, or hand.
