Butterfly Bandage: What is it and how it used?
The bandage is a piece of material used for the support or to restrict the movement of the body parts. There are different types of bandage used for the patient depending on the type of wound or injuries. Butterfly bandage is a type of bandage which is also known as butterfly strip tape or butterfly stitch bandage. It is used for a clean wound of less than 2-inch.
If there is longer wound, cut or injury then we can use more than one butterfly bandage. let’s know more about how to make it and how to apply and care it too.
When to use a butterfly bandage?
Before you know how to make a butterfly bandage, you should know if you really need it. So when to use a butterfly bandage? You can use butterfly stitches tape in the following case:
- Butterfly bandage use is to seal a cut that is relatively small but deep wound.
- Butterfly stitch bandage is used on a straight wound.
- It is also used in the open wound.
- These types of bandages are used to close the wound to promote the healing process and reduce the risk of scarring.
- It works best on a cut having a size less than two inches in length. You can use more than one butterfly bandages if the cut is longer than two inches.
- Butterfly stitch bandages are not used in a ball and socket type of joint like elbow joint, knee joint or shoulder joint. This is not used in the moveable joint because movement will pull on the cut and causes the wound to gape open.
How to make a butterfly bandage
Now that you know when to use a butterfly bandage, you should know how to make a butterfly bandage. You will need the following instrument to make a butterfly Stitcher:
- Scissors
- Adhesive tape
Procedure to make a butterfly bandage
- Step 1: You need to cut the 1-inch long tape
- Step 2: Take a piece of tape by hand so that the adhesive sides do not face each other.
- Step 3: Cut a cadence triangle on one side of the tape, and then open the bottom path from the folded edge and cut the angle upwards, but not all the way between the folded edges.
- Step 4: Chim on the other side. Cut a triangular line and repeat on the other side, it will cut you.
- Step 5: Without tape. Loosen the tape so that it is facing up to the gummy side. (The tape should have a crescent shape in the center.)
- Step 6: Drain center flap. The center flaps should be glued to the center of the tape so that it is on the adhesive side so they overlap. This prevents it from sticking directly to the top of the wound.
- Step 7: Apply a bandage. By sticking one end of the tape to one side of the wound, the butterfly’s bandage gently grips the edges of the wound, pulling the wound horizontally and sticking to the other end. (The narrow center of the tape should be placed along the edges of the wound).
- Step 8: If the wound is long, apply several bandages and apply several butterfly bandages along its length as needed.
How to apply butterfly bandage
After making a butterfly stitches, you should apply it in the correct way. So how 5o apply a butterfly bandage?
1. Cleaning the wound
You should rinse the wound with the cool water. It is better to rinse the cut under the running water. Because the running water will help to flush foreign bodies or debris. You must avoid using antiseptics or hydrogen peroxide over the wound. These can actually cause irritation to the wound.
You must also wash the surrounding area of the wound with soap and water. Make sure the soapy water doesn’t run into the cut or injury. Then rinse the soapy water away with cool water and pat it dry with a clean cloth.
2. Putting a butterfly bandage on the wound
While applying a butterfly bandage on the wound you must follow these things:
- Hold the wound shut with your fingers.
- You should be using your dominant hand to line up the edges of the cut.
- Now bring the edges of the cut together using your thumb and index finger.
- Finally, keep pressing the cut to keep the wound closed.
Now you should set half of the bandage on the first side and pull it to the other side of the wound. Remove the backing of the butterfly bandages to reveal the adhesive. Press the first half of the butterfly bandage on a side of the cut. Now press the bandage by bringing another half of the cut.
Note: you should never apply a butterfly bandage lengthwise along with the cut or injury.
3. Securing the wound
For securing the wound you must apply one more butterfly strip tape above and below the cut. It is done in order to encourage the healing process of the wound.
Now put the second butterfly strip vertically across the bandages.
You must leave the butterfly bandaid until it falls off.
4. Assessing the wound
For assessing the wound you must follow these steps:
- Apply pressure to stop the bleeding
- Inspect the wound to see what type of injury it is
- Determine how deep and long the cut is.
- Avoid using a butterfly bandage on animal bites or joints.
How to remove butterfly bandage
Butterfly stitches or butterfly bandaid can be removed after 12 days. Follow these steps carefully to remove the butterfly stitches:
- You need to wash your hands with soap and water. You should also clean your nails.
- Start peeling each strip gently from one end, a tiny bit at a time.
- While you pull the strip, take your other hand and place your thumb and forefinger on both sides of the cut to keep the skin stable.
- Now pull the strip back horizontal to your skin until it reaches the cut point. If you pull the strip vertically, it may increase the tension of the skin. To avoid pulling the strip vertically.
- Now you need to repeat the process on the other side too. You can take your time.
- After completing, pinch both ends of the bandages with your fingers and lift it gently.
How to care for butterfly bandage
If you have used the butterfly bandaids in your cut or injury, you must follow this instruction while the wound is healing and before you remove the stitches:
- The injured area should be kept clean.
- The area should be kept dry for the first 48 hours.
- After 48 hours, you can keep the area dry except showering or washing.
- If the butterfly strip edges come loose, trim them with scissors. Pulling on them could reopen the cut.
When to call a doctor
You should call your doctor if:
- The bleeding from the cut doesn’t get stopped.
- If the cut becomes red, swollen, or more painful. These sign could be a sign of infections.
Take away
Butterfly strip tape or butterfly bandaid is used in the clean wound which is less than 2 inches. It is also used in longer wound cut or injury. It can be made by us using the instruments present in home-like scissors and adhesive tape. But if you can’t then you can get it from your nearby pharmacy shops.
You need to have a proper idea of the use of butterfly stitches and suture. Great care must be taken while the removal of the butterfly bandage.
