Applying Bandages and Plasters Correctly

Sep 13, 2025

This guide provides instructions on how to properly apply plasters and bandages for wound care at home.

Applying Plasters

Plasters can be challenging to apply effectively, especially on joints like fingers. Here are some tips:

Size Matters: Ensure the plaster is sufficiently large, with the absorbent pad covering the wound and enough adhesive surface to ensure good adhesion. While various pre-shaped plasters are available, keeping standard adhesive plaster strips at home is recommended, as they can be cut and shaped to fit specific needs.
Fingertip Plaster: Cut a long strip of plaster, at least twice the length to the first finger joint. Make wedge-shaped cuts into the adhesive edges on both sides in the center. Apply the plaster over the fingertip, with the cut sections adhering to the sides.
Between Fingers: Cut a long plaster strip. Make two parallel vertical cuts in the center adhesive portion, spaced about a finger’s width apart. These central strips will then adhere to the individual fingers.
On Joints: Make two wedge-shaped cuts into the adhesive strips on both the left and right sides.
Longer Cuts: For slightly longer cuts, butterfly closures can be used to hold the wound edges together. These should be applied perpendicularly across the cut.

Bandages are used for wounds larger than a plaster can cover, assuming professional medical attention is not required.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

Bandaging Guidelines:

Never apply a gauze roll directly to an open wound. Gauze rolls are intended to secure dressings, not to be the primary wound contact.
Clean wounds before bandaging. Use clean water or an appropriate wound disinfectant. Do not use hand sanitizer.
Position the sterile compress or gauze pad over the wound. Begin wrapping the gauze roll below the wound and move upwards, overlapping each layer by half to cover the entire wound area.
Secure the bandage with clips, tape, or by tearing the end of the gauze roll lengthwise into two strips and tying them.
Avoid bandaging too tightly. If the bandage feels constrictive (and it’s not a pressure bandage), it is too tight.
Change the bandage regularly, at least daily.
Pressure Bandages: For situations requiring immediate pressure (e.g., to control bleeding before seeing a doctor), place a thick gauze pad over the wound and wrap very tightly.
Triangular Bandages: These can be used for hands and feet. Place the hand on the cloth, fold the tip over the fingers, and bring the side corners around the joint, tying them in front.
Finger Bandages: Start by wrapping the gauze around the base of the finger, cross it, and bring it up to the fingertip, then down the back. Continue wrapping upwards and then down again to secure.