If you have a small, flat cut that you want to close, use butterfly bandages. When it is decided that you do not need suturing, clean the wound with cool water. Place the butterfly bandage over the incision so that it is closed. Secure the bandage by taping another butterfly bandage over and under it. Then place two more butterfly bandages vertically next to the incision.
method
Method 1 of 4: clean the wound
Step 1. Rinse the cut with cool water
Take a mug of cool water and slowly pour it over the injury. You can also hold the incision under cool, running water. This washes out dirt and foreign bodies.
Avoid pouring antiseptics or hydrogen peroxide over the cut. These harsh cleansers can even irritate the injury
Step 2. Wash the skin around the wound
Gently rub soapy water on the skin surrounding the cut. Make sure the soapy water doesn't run into the incision. Then, rinse the soapy water off with cool water and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
- The butterfly bandage will hold better when applied to clean, dry skin.
- If you have any, apply a swab of antibiotic ointment to the wound. This speeds up the healing process and prevents infection.
Method 2 of 4: Put a butterfly bandage on the wound
Step 1. Cover the wound with your fingers
Line up the edges of the cut with your nondominant hand. Bring the edges together with your thumb and forefinger. Keep pinching the cut to keep the wound closed.
Don't press hard while aligning the cutor you could make him bleed again.
Step 2. Put half of the bandage on one side and pull it over to the other side of the cut
Take the butterfly bandage and peel off the film to reveal the adhesive. Press half of the bandage onto one side of the cut. Then bring the other half over the cut and press the bandage down.
Never apply a butterfly bandage lengthways to the incision. He must cross the incision so that the edges of the wound are closed or nearly closed
Method 3 of 4: Protect the wound
Step 1. Apply another butterfly bandage over and under the incision
To encourage healing and keep the incision closed, open another butterfly bandage and place it directly over the main bandage you put on. Open another butterfly bandage and place it directly under the main bandage.
These distribute the tension over your skinso that the main bandage is not pulled.
Step 2. Place two butterfly bandages vertically over the bandages
Open two more butterfly bandages and place one vertically on one side of the cut. Then place the other butterfly bandage vertically on the other side of the incision.
- Placing vertical bandages holds the three butterfly bandages in place.
- You don't need to cover the butterfly bandages for protection as they are already well secured.
Step 3. Leave the butterfly bandage on until it falls off
After several days, the butterfly bandage should begin to roll up and peel off the skin. It's okay if the streaks fall off because that means the cut is healing.
Be sure to keep the area clean. Also, avoid playing around with the butterfly bandage, or you could accidentally open the wound
Method 4 of 4: Assess the wound
Step 1. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding
Press a clean cloth or towel over the injury for up to five minutes. If the cut is minor, the bleeding should stop. If the cut is more serious and continues to bleed after applying pressure for ten to fifteen minutes, see a doctor.
If you can't slow the bleeding, go to an emergency room
Step 2. Examine the wound to see what type of injury is
Look at the injury to see if it's a cut, if the skin is torn, or if it's scratched. Butterfly bandages are useful for holding shallow, clean-edged cuts together. If you see jagged, cracked skin, it may need suturing.
Butterfly dressings are not effective at covering abrasions. If you see scratched skin, apply a large or liquid bandage
Step 3. Determine how deep and long the cut is
Use a butterfly bandage if the cut is less than 6 mm deep and less than 19 mm long. If the cut is longer or deeper, it will need to be sewn.
If you can see muscle or fat, the incision will need to be sutured to properly heal
Step 4. Avoid using a butterfly bandage on animal bites or on joints
Get a medical examination if the injury was caused by an animal bite or if there is dirt under the skin. You should also avoid using butterfly bandages on cuts that are located on joints (such as elbows or knees) because the bandage cannot hold the skin in place.
Do not use butterfly bandages on skin that is greasy or hairy as it will be difficult for them to adhere
Warnings
- If you see bleeding after applying the butterfly bandage, the incision may need to be sutured.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before treating your wound.
