How often should I change bandages? - IPPF (2024)

FAQs

How often should bandages be changed? ›

Change the bandage each day—or sooner, if it becomes dirty or wet—to keep the bandage clean and dry. Some wounds, such as scrapes that cover a large area, should be kept moist to help reduce scarring. Sealed bandages work best for this purpose.

There is no standard for determining the frequency of dressing replacement, but most surgical practitioners perform dressing replacements every 24-48 hours to maintain wound moisture, hygiene and drainage in the wound.

When to stop covering a wound. You should keep a wound moist and covered for about five days. Change the bandage daily (or more, if the cut reopens or begins bleeding again). Reapply petroleum jelly with each change of bandage.

Though most bandages technically do not have a listed expiry date, they can lose their adhesiveness, absorption, and sterility over time. When asking how long bandages last, the average is roughly 3 to 5 years depending on the bandage and the environment it is stored in.

In most cases, burn bandages need to be changed every day. This helps keep the burns clean and moist while preventing infection. Your burn care team will speak with you about how often your burn bandages need to be changed and what to expect during the process.

You should change your bandage daily especially if it gets dirty, wet, or compromised in any way. Be sure your hands are clean before changing a bandage, too. If you already have a scab, still cover it up. This will reduce the chances of re-injury from tearing or scratching at the scab.

Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process. A wound should be covered using a clean bandage.

A simple Band-Aid would be sufficient to cover the wound in terms of minor scrapes and cuts. Since the injuries are minor, a bandage should only be placed for around 24-48 hours.

Barriers to wound healing

Dead skin (necrosis) – dead skin and foreign materials interfere with the healing process. Infection – an open wound may develop a bacterial infection. The body fights the infection rather than healing the wound. Haemorrhage – persistent bleeding will keep the wound margins apart.

Don't use abrasive or rough washcloths for skin care and wound healing. Don't scratch dry, itching areas. Don't apply tape of any kind to dry, sensitive, fragile skin. Don't neglect new areas of irritation, soreness, or discomfort on the skin.

What are some of the general rules for applying bandages? ›

Leaving bandages on too long can slow the healing process and encourage infection. Replace any dressing when fluids soak through. This is called bleed-through and ideally, bandages should be changed before this occurs. Bleed-through increases the danger that a bandage will adhere to the wound.

The original dressing can be left in place for up to two days (or as advised by the nurse/doctor), as long as it is not oozing. The wound must be kept dry for two days. If the dressing becomes wet from blood or any other liquid, it must be changed. do not apply antiseptic cream under the dressing.

Clean area twice daily with soap and water, and apply a new bandage and ointment after cleaning. There is no need to use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol for cleaning. Continue this care until wound is fully healed. Deep or gaping wounds may need stitches or other wound care from a medical professional.