While many people think that bandages are used to stop bleeding or infection, they’re actually used to hold a dressing in place. Bandages come with a small bit of dressing attached (like a band-aid) or are put over the top of a separate piece of sterile dressing. This is important to note, because if you simply put a bandage over a wound without dressing, the wound will continue to bleed and can become infected. Never put a bandage directly over a wound. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of an overly-tight bandage, then you know the discomfort it can cause. If a bandage is attached too tightly, it can cause more damage to the wound/body and cause discomfort/pain to the wearer. A bandage should be applied tight enough so that the dressing doesn’t become exposed or become loose, but loose enough that it does not restrict blood flow. Not all bandages have to be used for wounds; you can use a bandage for broken bones and dislocations as well. If you experience injuries like a fractured bone, dislocated arm, eye problems, or another internal injury, you can use a bandage to support and secure it. The only difference with bandaging internal injuries is that you don’t have to use any gauze/dressing. A special type of bandage is used for these injuries (as opposed to a band-aid or similar bandage). Typically a triangle bandage, t-shape bandage, or bandage tape is used for support. Any suspected fractures or dislocations can be supported in this manner until you see a doctor. Bandaging minor wounds is appropriate for home treatment, but if you ever experience a serious wound, you should bandage it as a way to protect the wound until you can seek proper medical attention. If you’re not sure whether your wound/injury constitutes a "serious injury," you should call your local nurse hotline and ask for advice.  If you bandage a wound and it has still not begun to heal or causes significant pain after 24 hours, you should head to a doctor for help. If a wound is larger than 3cm, has loss of skin and/or involves underlying tissues, it is best to seek medical aid. If you’re not in an emergency situation or a rush, you should always take time to thoroughly clean a wound prior to bandaging it. Use water to rinse a wound clear of debris, and a soap or disinfectant to kill any bacteria. Pat the wound dry, and apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection. The dressing and bandage should be applied over the top of this.< If there is any debris around the injury, use gauze to wipe away from the injury in a star pattern before rinsing. This helps keep the water from rinsing particulates into the wound.
افهم الغرض من كل ضمادة. تجنب الشد على الضمادة. استخدم الضمادة للتعامل مع الكسور والرضوض. متى يجب عليك رؤية الطبيب؟ يتناسب التضميد مع حالات الجروح العادية كعلاج منزلي، ولكن إن أصبت بجرح خطير يجب عليك تضميده لحمايته إلى أن تصل لأقرب وحدة رعاية صحية لك. نظف واعتنِ بالجروح قبل عملية التضميد.