Different Types of Bandages and Their Uses: Your Complete Guide to Wound Care

Introduction

Imagine you're sewing clothes, and suddenly the needle pricks your finger, causing a small amount of bleeding. In this case, what would you use: a gauze bandage or a crepe bandage?

Now, suppose your leg swells while working—what kind of bandage would be suitable then: a crepe bandage or a compression bandage? It can be quite confusing to determine what type of bandage is suitable for different types of wounds and stages of recovery, but it is important to know.
This blog will clear up your confusion by explaining bandage types and uses, and how to apply them properly. Let’s dive in!

What Are Bandages and Why Are They Essential in Wound Care?

Bandages are the medical product made of safe and medical grade material used to cover, protect, and support in fast recovery and healing. They play an important role in wound care:

Protecting wounds from infection
Maintaining hygiene during the healing process
Immobilizing injured limbs in orthopedic care

Fact: According to the WHO, timely and clean wound care reduces infection risk by up to 70%.

Types of Bandages:

Choosing the correct type of bandages is the first step and there is a wide variety of bandages available in the medical field.

Roller Bandages - These are the long rolled fabric bandages used to hold and secure dressing. And there different kinds of category such as

Cotton Roller Bandage - One of the common breathable bandages and is ideal for cushioning and padding.
Elastic Bandage - It is also known as crepe bandage is stretchy and provides compression, making it ideal for sprains or muscle support.
Gauze Bandage - It is lightweight and soft, best for covering open wounds.
Cohesive Bandage - It is self-adherent bandages which stick easily and remove easily without any harm.

Triangular Bandages - It is a triangular shape bandage used to support injured arms. It is best for temporary immobilization.
Tubular Bandages - It is used mainly for fingers, toes, arms, or legs. There are different kind of category:

Elastic Tubular Bandage – This type provides compression and support, ideal for swelling, sprains, or muscle support.
Net Tubular Bandage – This one’s like a stretchy mesh. It’s mainly used to hold dressings in place, especially on tricky areas like the head, joints, or fingers, where tape or wraps might not stay put.

Adhesive Bandages - These are perfect for minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.

Band-Aid – Small, pre-padded adhesive strips used for minor cuts and abrasions.
Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB) – Offers strong support and compression, commonly used in sports injuries.

Compression Bandages - These are used to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation. These comes in two different types

Short-stretch bandages – Used in lymphatic therapy.
Long-stretch bandages – Offer higher compression, ideal for venous ulcers.

Orthopedic Bandages - These are used to immobilize fractures and support healing by forming hard casts.

Plaster of Paris Bandage (POP) – It is mainly used for making casts to immobilize broken bones.
Fiberglass Bandage – These are lightweight alternatives to POP, commonly used for casting.

Specialized Bandages - These are made for very specific medical needs.

Burn Dressing Bandage – Sterile and non-adhesive for burn injuries.
Eye Pad Bandage – Specially shaped to cover the eye area.
Abdominal/Chest Bandage – Large bandages to cover and protect post-surgical wounds.

How to Apply a Bandage Correctly?

It is important to know how to use a bandage and is the second foremost step as it looks easy but the reality is it is not.

Clean the wound with antiseptic.
Select the right bandage which matches it to the injury type.
Apply gently and avoid pulling too tight.
Make sure to secure the bandage properly, use medical tape for gauze bandages and rely on self-adhesion for elastic or cohesive bandages.
Change regularly or replace when wet, dirty, or after 24–48 hours.

Warning: Over-tightening a bandage can cause numbness or swelling, loosen if the skin turns blue or feels cold.

Which Bandage Is Best for Which Type of Wound?

Not all wounds are the same. Matching the bandage for wounds based on type and severity is key:

Wound Type	Recommended Bandage
Minor cuts	Adhesive Bandages
Scrapes	Gauze Bandage with roller wrap
Joint sprains	Elastic Adhesive Bandage or Crepe Bandage
Surgical wounds	Abdominal or Chest Bandage
Fractures	Orthopedic or Fiberglass Bandage
Burn injuries	Non-stick Gauze with Cotton Roller Bandage

Pro Tip: If you are not sure about medical bandage types then consult a healthcare professional before applying a bandage to deep or infected wounds.

Where Can You Buy High-Quality Medical Bandages Online?

Finding a good store for medical bandages can be challenging—sometimes the quality doesn’t match expectations, sometimes the prices are too high, and often the variety is lacking. But don’t worry! This blog is here to solve all those problems. We’ve made it easy for you to shop for trusted, high-quality medical and surgical bandages from SurgiNatal, one of the best online medical supply stores in India.

Whether you need crepe bandages for daily support, gauze and adhesive options for cuts and surgical wounds, or orthopedic kits for sprains and fractures, we’ve got it all. You’ll also find elastic tubular and chest bandages that are both stretchable and skin-friendly—perfect for comfortable recovery. Plus, we stock only trusted brands like Hansaplast, Dynaplast, and more—all at prices that won’t stretch your budget.

Explore our Bandages Category now for bulk deals and home delivery across India.

Conclusion

Wound care isn’t just about first aid—it’s also about choosing the right type of bandage for the specific wound at the right time. Understanding different types of bandages helps you gain the knowledge needed for proper wound healing and faster recovery. It also gives you the confidence to handle medical emergencies calmly, without panicking. SurgiNatal your surgical store online will help you order surgical and medical products without hazel.

FAQs

Can I reuse elastic bandages?

Most bandages, especially gauze and adhesive types, are single-use and should be discarded after use to prevent infection. However, some bandages like Crepe and Elastic Bandages are washable and reusable, provided they are not soiled or damaged.

What’s the difference between a crepe bandage and an elastic bandage?

Crepe bandages offer mild compression for sprains, while elastic bandages provide adjustable support for joints.

Is fiberglass bandage better than plaster?

Yes, fiberglass is lighter, more durable, and water-resistant compared to traditional plaster of Paris.

What are cohesive bandages best for?

Cohesive bandages are ideal for securing dressings, especially on joints, since they don’t stick to skin or hair.

What's the difference between a dressing and a bandage?

A dressing is the sterile pad or material that goes directly on the wound to absorb fluids and protect it. A bandage is the material used to hold the dressing in place, apply pressure, or provide support to the injured area.