Bandages: FSA Eligibility

What are bandages used for?

Bandages are among the oldest forms of medical treatment available, dating back thousands of years and used in countless world cultures in the care of wounds and other medical conditions. When wounds are covered with a bandage, this allows the underlying blood vessels to regenerate and inflammation to decrease, which is far more effective in the healing process than allowing a wound to be exposed to air. (National Center for Biotechnology Information) Modern bandages can play a major role in a wide variety of medical situations, and some of the most commonly used bandages include:

• Gauze Pads and Rolls: Gauze is primarily used in wound care to control bleeding and is typically made with layers of cotton. It is found in bandages, dressings and surgical sponges and is highly valued in medical care for its ability to absorb bodily fluids and has the added benefit of not sticking to wounds like other fabrics.
• Triangular Bandages: Also known as a "cravat," a triangular bandage is a loose-weave cotton cloth that holds many uses in first aid, including wound care, slings, tourniquets and much more.
• Elastic Bandages: These bandages utilize stretchable fabric that are designed to wrap around an injured body part. They are held in place with adhesives or bandage clips, and can immobilize injured body parts as a result of sprains, strains, swelling and general soreness, as well as providing compression therapy to speed the healing process.
• Adhesive Bandages: Adhesive bandages are among the most commonly used bandages used to treat minor cuts, scrapes and burns. These consist of a gauze pad in the center that is placed on the wound, as well as adhesive strips that allow it to stay in place while it heals.
• Roller Bandages: These bandages are typically constructed with gauze or other flexible materials to wrap or bind an injured body part. They are used for a variety of purposes, including immobilizing the affected area, absorbing drainage, preventing contamination, padding an injured area and much more.
• Butterfly Bandages: In the event that an individual suffers a deeper cut, additional bandaging will be needed to close up the wound. Butterfly bandages brings the edges of the skin together to better seal the wound and promote the healing process. They consist of two adhesive strips that are joined by a narrower portion that is placed over the center of the closed wound.