Band-aids, also known as "styptic plasters," are generally only suitable for minor, superficial wounds that are clean, have minimal bleeding, and do not require stitches. They help temporarily stop bleeding and protect the wound. However, because band-aids have poor water absorption and air permeability, they hinder the drainage of wound secretions and instead promote bacterial growth, which can lead to the skin around the wound turning white and soft, resulting in secondary infection. Therefore, band-aids should not be used for extended periods. If, after 24 hours of use, you notice signs such as warmth, unbearable pain, or increased swelling around the wound, it may be infected, and you should immediately go to a hospital for disinfection and anti-infection treatment.
Moreover, many people simply place a band-aid directly over the wound — this is absolutely incorrect and can easily lead to infection. The proper method is: first clean the wound (preferably with 3% hydrogen peroxide), then apply the band-aid. If the skin injury is relatively deep and there’s no means to treat it on-site, you can first rinse the wound with clean water before loosely applying a band-aid for basic coverage. At the same time, seek prompt professional disinfection treatment at the nearest hospital to avoid infection. Additionally, do not wrap the band-aid too tightly, as this may restrict airflow to the wound and cause anaerobic bacterial infection. A too-tight bandage can also impede blood circulation to the injured area and lead to ischemic necrosis.
Also, band-aids are not a universal solution — they should not be used in the following situations:
1. If bitten by an animal (such as a cat or dog), do not use a band-aid. Instead, wash the wound repeatedly with soapy water, disinfect it with iodine or alcohol, leave the wound exposed, and get a rabies vaccination.
2. For serious injuries or contaminated wounds, seek medical treatment. Do not use a band-aid before properly cleaning and treating the wound. Do not use band-aids on wounds that are already contaminated or infected, or those with discharge or pus.
3. Do not use band-aids on deep, narrow wounds, such as those caused by nails or knife tips. After stopping the bleeding, leave the wound exposed to prevent tetanus infection. If necessary, get a tetanus antiserum injection under a doctor’s guidance.
4. Do not use band-aids on burns or scalds that result in ulceration or fluid discharge, as this can block secretion drainage and lead to secondary infection.
5. If the band-aid on your wound gets wet, replace it immediately. This is especially important when you’re outdoors. Band-aids absorb moisture well, and leaving a wet one on is like soaking the wound in water, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Although waterproof band-aids are now available on the market, their effectiveness is limited — especially when applied tooutdoor activitiessuch as the hand joints, which are most prone to injury, where the waterproofing function is completely ineffective.