The “3 major misunderstandings” behind the little Band-Aid
In life, it is inevitable to encounter accidents that cause bruises and cuts on the skin. In addition to disinfecting the wound, band-aids are also used to protect the wound from sterilization and hemostasis. A small wound, with a small band-aid, can stop bleeding in time and speed up healing. Once it is applied to your hand, you will feel completely safe!
So, does the little Band-Aid contain medicine? How often should I replace it with a new one? Can it really be applied to any wound? Let’s take a look at the common misunderstandings everyone makes when using Band-Aids.
Myth 1: Band-Aid = golden sore medicine
Band-Aid generally consists of three parts: a pad that contacts the wound surface, a back patch and a protective layer. The protective layer is peeled off during use. The backing is made of rubber plaster adhesive, which plays a fixing role. The pad is made of elastic fabric, which generally does not contain drugs or other ingredients. It uses pressure to stop bleeding.
There are two types of medicated band-aids: Yunnan Baiyao Band-Aids, whose medicinal ingredients are kept secret by the state and have hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects; benzalkonium chloride plaster, which contains benzalkonium chloride, a cationic surfactant type of broad-spectrum bactericidal agent agent. Others are drug-free band-aids.
Band-Aids are mainly used for the care of superficial wounds such as small wounds, abrasions, cuts, etc. with neat and clean incisions, little bleeding, and no need for suturing. When choosing a band-aid with medicine, you should pay attention to whether you have any allergies to related medicines and choose according to your needs.
Misunderstanding 2: Band-Aid can be applied casually
There are things that need to be paid attention to before, during and after use of Band-Aid. It is not just a band-aid that can be applied casually.
Before use: 1. It is recommended to purchase a medical band-aid with a formal approval number; 2. Choose a band-aid with a cloth outer layer. The plastic material has poor air permeability and is not conducive to wound healing; 3. Check if there is mud in the wound. If there is any dirt, clean and disinfect it before use.
When using: 1. After unpacking, avoid touching the middle pad with your hands to prevent infection; 2. The bandage should not be too tight, which may easily cause poor blood flow in the wound and slow down healing; 3. Avoid getting wet after applying it. Waterproof Band-Aids are not absolutely waterproof.
After use: 1. Cannot be used for a long time, replace one at least once a day. If it is stained with water or contaminated, it should be replaced in time; 2. If there is a burning sensation at the use site, stop using it immediately. If the symptoms are severe, you need to seek medical treatment in time; 3. Avoid squeezing with your hands. Apply pressure to the wound to prevent it from opening.
Misunderstanding 3: Band-Aid = universal patch
Band-Aid is not a universal patch and can be applied to any situation. Band-Aids should not be used in these six situations: 1. Small and deep wounds are prone to tetanus infection and the formation of pus, which is not conducive to the discharge of secretions; 2. Wounds caused by animal bites and insect stings, poisonous juice and germs can easily accumulate in the wound or spread; 3. The skin of burns and scald wounds is prone to ulceration, aggravating infection; 4. Wounds with swollen skin can easily allow bacteria to grow and multiply, which is not conducive to the drainage of pus; 5. Large, dirty, and bleeding wounds Wounds should be taken to the hospital for treatment in time; 6. Those who are allergic to the tape and the medicine on the dressing pad.
It seems that as a “star product” in the home medicine cabinet, the small Band-Aid is not a “universal patch”. It is recommended that everyone strictly grasp the indications when using it, observe the wound condition in time during use, and do not apply it casually or for a long time. stick. When used correctly, wounds can heal faster.
(Yang Min and Zhang Wei, Department of Pharmacy, Beijing United Family Hospital)
