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Bandage

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A bandage is a helpful piece of material. It can support a medical device like a splint. It can also hold a dressing on a wound. A dressing is a pad placed directly on an injury.

A strip of gauze bandage
A strip of gauze bandage

Some bandages work all by themselves. Elastic bandages can help reduce swelling in a limb. They can also support a sprained joint. Very tight bandages can even slow down heavy bleeding.

Bandagedknuckles
Bandagedknuckles

Many different kinds of bandages exist today. The gauze bandage is the most common type. It is a strip of woven material. It can come in many different widths and lengths.

A strip of gauze bandage
A strip of gauze bandage

There are also tube bandages. These are woven in a continuous circle. They use an applicator to stay on a limb. They help hold dressings or splints in place. They can also stop bleeding from strains or sprains.

Compression bandages use pressure to help the body. There are two main kinds of these. Short stretch bandages are good for long-term use. They have low resting pressure, so they stay comfortable while you rest. They have high working pressure when you move your muscles.

Bandagedknuckles
Bandagedknuckles

Long stretch bandages have high compressive power. You can adjust how much pressure they use. However, these have high resting pressure. People must remove them at night or when resting.

Some bandages have very special shapes. A triangular bandage is a piece of cloth. It is shaped like a right-angled triangle. You can use it as a sling for an arm. You can also fold it to use on a head.

Headbandage-woman
Headbandage-woman

People in the Scouting movement made these bandages popular. They can use a neckerchief from their uniform to make one. This is called a cravat bandage. It can be made from a simple scrap of fabric.

New ideas help make bandages even better. In 2016, inventors made a kirigami bandage. This type is inspired by the art of kirigami. It uses parallel slits to fit better on bending body parts. These are made with 3D-printed molds.

Headbandage-woman
Headbandage-woman

You can also find bandages used in martial arts. They help prevent joints from dislocating. People have used bandages for a long time. We even see them on old Greek art.

Greek kneewrapping
Greek kneewrapping
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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Akhilleus Patroklos Antikensammlung Berlin F2278.jpg
Akhilleus Patroklos Antikensammlung...
File:Headbandage-woman.jpg
Headbandage-woman.jpg
File:KICKBOX008cropped.jpg
KICKBOX008cropped.jpg
File:Greek kneewrapping.jpg
Greek kneewrapping.jpg
File:A strip of gauze bandage.jpg
A strip of gauze bandage.jpg
File:Bandagedknuckles.jpg
Bandagedknuckles.jpg
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