Applying plasters and other dressings

You can treat most simple cuts, grazes and small wounds at home with a plaster or dressing.

If the wound is severe, you may need to go to an injury unit after you put on the dressing.

Before you put on a plaster or dressing

Before you put on a plaster or dressing:

• wash and dry your hands
• wear disposable gloves if you have them
• sit or lie down if the cut or wound is bleeding
• apply pressure to the area if it is bleeding - raise the affected area above the level of the heart if possible
• follow advice on how to clean a wound

Use a dressing that is slightly bigger than the wound you want to cover. Hold the dressing at the edges. Keep your fingers away from the part that covers the wound.

If you are treating someone else:

• tell them what you're doing
• ask them to sit or lie down
• ask them if they are allergic to any items you need to use - for example, adhesive plasters

Plasters (adhesive dressings)

Plasters are made from a piece of gauze and have a sticky (adhesive) back. Plasters usually come in single sterile packs.

Plasters can come in different shapes and sizes or you can cut them to size. Some plasters are waterproof.

When you put on a plaster:

1. Clean and dry the wound and surrounding skin.
2. Unwrap the plaster and hold it by the protective strips with the pad facing down.
3. Peel back the strips but do not remove the strips fully.
4. Place the pad on the wound.
5. Pull away the strips and press the edges of the plaster.

Replace the plaster if it gets dirty, wet or the blood soaks through.

Bandages with sterile dressing pads

Some sterile dressing pads come with a bandage attached on either side. This type of dressing is also called a wound dressing.

When you remove the wrapping, the dressing is no longer sterile.

Before you start, check which side of the pad to place against the wound. Clean and dry the wound and the surrounding skin.

To put on a wound dressing:

1. Hold the bandage on either side of the pad.
2. Lay the pad directly on the wound.
3. Wrap the short part of the bandage around the limb and the pad 1 time.
4. Wrap the long part of the bandage around the limb until the bandage covers the whole pad.
5. Tie the ends of the bandage together over the pad and put slight pressure on the wound.

Replace the dressing every day until you can see that the wound is healing.