Butterfly Bandage: How to Use
A butterfly bandage is an effective way to close wounds and hold them closed until they heal. It is a smaller version of a “butterfly stitch,” which is a suture for closing large wounds. A butterfly bandage protects the wound from further contamination and allows it to heal with minimal scarring.
What You Need:
- Butterfly bandage
- Clean cotton swabs
- Sterile gauze pads
- Alcohol wipes
- Tweezers
Instructions:
- Wash your hands with warm soapy water, or use alcohol wipes, before beginning.
- Clean the wound area with the cotton swabs. Saturate the swabs with hydrogen peroxide or an antiseptic solution to disinfect the wound.
- Dry the wound area with a sterile gauze pad. Do not use alcohol wipes on an open wound, as they can sting.
- Carefully remove any debris from around the wound using tweezers. This can include broken glass or dirt.
- Place the butterfly bandage over the wound, with the attached ends meeting in the middle over the wound. The wings should be on either side. Make sure it is centered over the wound.
- Press each wing of the bandage firmly to the skin to ensure it sticks. Press down for a few seconds before letting go.
- Change the butterfly bandage every day, or as needed, until the wound is healed. Clean the wound and surrounding area before applying a new bandage.
When used properly, butterfly bandages can help wounds heal with minimal scarring. They are easy to apply and provide protection while the wound heals. Always make sure to use sterile materials when dressing a wound, and to clean the wound properly before applying a bandage. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about using butterfly bandages.
