Adhesive bandages: how to use them on cuts, and when to change them
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- BAND-AID Brand Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages, assorted sizes. Best for: Everyday cuts on fingers, hands and knees. See options on Amazon
- Extra-large fabric bandages. Best for: Bigger scrapes on knees and elbows. See options on Amazon
- Silicone adhesive bandages. Best for: Sensitive or fragile skin. See options on Amazon
What an adhesive bandage is
The FDA regulation for medical adhesive tape and adhesive bandages describes them as a strip of fabric material or plastic, coated on one side with an adhesive, that may include a pad of surgical dressing without a disinfectant. They are used to cover and protect wounds, hold together the skin edges of a wound, support an injured part, or secure objects to the skin. They are Class I devices under the FDA's general controls and are exempt from premarket notification, subject to limits.
Most boxes are labeled as fabric or plastic, matching the two materials in that description. Specialty versions exist for blisters and moist wounds; see our hydrocolloid bandages guide.
How to care for a minor cut
Mayo Clinic's steps for minor cuts and scrapes:
- Wash your hands to help avoid infection.
- Stop the bleeding. Minor cuts usually stop on their own; if needed, press gently with a clean bandage or cloth and raise the area.
- Clean the wound. Rinse under running water and wash around it with soap, keeping soap out of the wound. Mayo Clinic advises against hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can irritate wounds; see our hydrogen peroxide guide.
- Remove debris with tweezers cleaned with alcohol; see our tweezers guide.
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the surface moist.
- Cover it with a bandage.
Ways to cover a wound
| Option | What it is | Mayo Clinic guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive bandage | A strip with a pad | One way to cover a wound |
| Rolled gauze | A gauze roll wrapped around the area | One way to cover a wound |
| Gauze and paper tape | A gauze pad held in place with paper tape | One way to cover a wound |
| No covering | Leave it open | For a minor scrape or scratch |
Mayo Clinic lists a bandage, rolled gauze, or gauze held in place with paper tape as ways to cover a wound, and says covering keeps it clean. It also says not to cover a minor scrape or scratch.
Pick the option that covers the whole wound and stays put on that part of the body. Bigger or awkwardly placed wounds may be easier to cover with gauze than a strip.
Changing the bandage
Mayo Clinic says to change the covering at least once a day, or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. Each time, look at the wound. Choose a pad big enough to cover the whole cut, so the adhesive sits on clean, dry skin around it.
If ointment causes a rash, Mayo Clinic says some ingredients in antibiotic ointments can do that, and to stop using it. Petroleum jelly is the alternative it names.
Latex and sensitive skin
Under FDA labeling rules, devices containing natural rubber latex that contacts skin must carry the statement: Caution: This Product Contains Natural Rubber Latex Which May Cause Allergic Reactions. The FDA notes some people are at risk of severe allergic reactions to latex proteins. If you have a latex allergy, check the package for that statement or choose bandages labeled latex free.
If adhesive irritates your skin, try a different adhesive type, such as silicone bandages sold for sensitive skin, and stop if redness or itching develops.
When to see a doctor
Mayo Clinic says to see a health care professional for signs of infection: expanding changes in color, increasing pain, drainage, warmth or swelling. Also get care if you cannot remove all the debris, or for a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past five years and the wound is deep or dirty.
Get urgent care for bleeding that will not stop with pressure, a deep or gaping cut, or a wound from an animal bite. Keep bandages in every first aid kit; the Red Cross list includes 25 adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
What to look for when you buy
BAND-AID Brand Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages, assorted sizes
Best for: Everyday cuts on fingers, hands and knees
Fabric is one of the two strip materials in the FDA's description; an assorted box covers different cut sizes.
Watch out: Change daily or when wet or dirty, per Mayo Clinic.
See options on AmazonExtra-large fabric bandages
Best for: Bigger scrapes on knees and elbows
A larger pad covers the whole wound so the adhesive sits on clean skin.
Watch out: Use gauze and paper tape for areas too big for a strip.
See options on AmazonSilicone adhesive bandages
Best for: Sensitive or fragile skin
Sold as a gentler-removal option for people whose skin reacts to standard adhesive.
Watch out: Check the package for latex statements if you are allergic.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Should I put a bandage on a cut?
- Mayo Clinic says covering keeps a wound clean, but a minor scrape or scratch can be left uncovered.
- How often should I change a bandage?
- At least once a day or whenever it gets wet or dirty, per Mayo Clinic.
- Should I use hydrogen peroxide before a bandage?
- Mayo Clinic advises against hydrogen peroxide or iodine because both can irritate wounds.
- Do bandages contain latex?
- Some may; the FDA requires a caution statement on devices containing natural rubber latex.
- When does a cut need a doctor?
- For infection signs, debris you cannot remove, or a deep or dirty wound if your tetanus shot is over five years old.
Sources
- Cuts and scrapes: First aid (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic
- 21 CFR 880.5240 Medical adhesive tape and adhesive bandage (ecfr.gov), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
- 21 CFR 801.437 User labeling for devices that contain natural rubber (ecfr.gov), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
- Make a First Aid Kit: What to Include (redcross.org), American Red Cross