Tincture of benzoin is available at most drugstores. It is often used in medical settings to ensure adhesion of heart monitor pads and the like. Before applying the benzoin, rinse the area with clean water and pat it dry. This will also help the bandage stick better, since it will get rid of oils, dirt, and moisture on the skin.
The most likely spot for an overlapping bandage is, of course, a finger. However, a bandage that is stuck to itself can still easily slide off a finger. To reduce this possibility, make sure to wrap the bandage tightly, though not so much that it restricts blood flow. If your fingertip turns purple or starts to hurt, it’s too tight. Another trick for keeping a bandage on the finger in place involves cutting into the adhesive strips on either side of the pad, then creating a criss-cross pattern with the 4 adhesive strips you now have.
Waterproof bandages tend to have a stronger adhesive, which can help keep them in place longer when exposed to moisture. In fact, some brands tend to leave some adhesive residue on the skin when removed. Keep in mind, though, that the main task of a bandage is to keep germs out, and standard waterproof adhesive bandages tend to fail at keeping potentially germ-filled liquids from reaching a covered wound. They need to be regularly replaced, just like a normal adhesive bandage, even if they do stick better.
For a larger bandage on a knee, for instance, you might try a roller bandage made of stretchy fabric. Wrap it snugly around the adhesive bandage (but not so tight that it hinders blood flow), then hold it in place with some medical tape (or similar fabric tape). For smaller bandages, use the fabric adhesive tape alone to help hold the bandage in place. This could make removal uncomfortable, however, so remember the tips for removing bandages with less pain. Once again, however, do not use this reinforcement as an excuse not to replace your bandage frequently, especially once it gets substantially wet.
When you have a minor cut or scrape, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water only, then pat it dry with a clean cloth and apply a bandage that covers the entire wound (with some room to spare) and fits snugly over it. Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the wound before putting the bandage on to help lock in moisture. [5] X Research source The effectiveness of your bandage in sealing out germs reduces substantially when it gets wet, since moisture can seep through or underneath the bandage. Try to keep the bandage dry whenever possible, and change it if it gets wet or dirty.
Replace a bandage as soon as practical whenever it gets dirty or soaking wet. Most of the tips here for keeping a wet bandage in place should only really be used as temporary measures until you have the opportunity to replace the bandage. Replacing bandages frequently not only helps reduce germ infiltration, it lets you keep track of the healing process. That way, you won’t keep a bandage on any longer than necessary.
For a wound on your hand, for instance, you can put on a disposable glove while preparing food. You could also try it while showering, or even resort to a plastic bag cinched up at the wrist. You could try out the plastic bag in the shower for a foot or lower leg bandage as well. It won’t keep all the water out, but it will deflect much of it.
Hydrocolloid dressings create a water-tight seal around the wound, which keeps more germs out and tends to keep them in place longer. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source They are often used in hospital settings to keep IV lines in place and for post-surgical care, but can also be purchased for home use. Liquid bandages (such as cyanoacrylate) work almost like a waterproof glue placed over the wound. This treatment may not be practical for all wounds, but will stay put and do its job well for most minor cuts and scrapes. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
