How To Apply Plaster Bands For Temporary Protection

An adhesive plaster bandage, also known as a fixed plaster, standard plaster, or just plain plaster in British English, is usually a thin flexible medical covering used for superficial skin injuries not too grave to require a full size bandage. They also come by the generic names of Band-Aid or Elastoplast or plaster. The medical term 'bandage' comes from the Greek word 'band" meaning around and "band" meaning thread. The bandages used in the medical profession also come in the form of disposable patches that can be placed on affected areas without the aid of a band-aid.

A bandage consists of a band of material that has been rolled onto a frame. This fabric is then covered with a layer of a substance that seals it, such as polyester or foam. A piece of thin metal is then inserted into the center of the fabric. This creates a hollow structure that forms the seal between the fabric and the molded figure. The bandages are often reinforced with strips of absorbent material at the edges. The thickness of the sponge in the center of a standard plaster bandage can be varied to suit the application needs of the patient.

In order to apply the bandages, first you need to have an adequate supply of rolls of gauze. The most commonly used version of the plaster bandage is the rectangular roll. This is the simplest design and is available in single, double and even triple layers. However, you can also obtain a smaller square inch bandage in a variety of different formats, depending upon your application needs. When you are ready to begin sewing, take a strip of felt, cut it to the required length and use a sewing machine to make the required hole in the fabric.

There are basically three different methods for inserting a plaster bandage: direct, wet and dry. A direct method is the easiest one to employ and involves placing the bandage directly over the area to be covered. First, place a sufficient amount of adhesive onto the gauze and then carefully roll it over the area, being careful not to place it directly onto a sharp object. As the adhesive is being adhered to the skin, it will generate a strength close to that created by a rubber band. When the adhesive has completely covered the area, sew the bandage down, being careful to adjust the setting time according to the requirement of the patient.

A wet application or a dry roll involves rolling the plaster bandage onto a flat surface, wetting it first before applying the glue. The wet setting time is more appropriate when the patient requires more than a few layers of bandages. Next, place the required number of layers of adhesive onto the bandage and gently roll it up. Then, use a clean needle or any other smooth tool to remove any excess paste.

The third type of application is referred to as the dry roll. It is generally used in cases where an adequate layer of plaster has already been applied and in which the patient requires further protection from moisture. For this treatment, a disposable plastic mold is putting through the bandage's fabric and left to dry overnight. The next day, the mold is removed and the old bandage is pulled off, leaving only the fresh plaster layer on the wound. The strength of the tape is directly related to its surface area; the greater the area of the bandage the higher the strength of the tape's adhesive.