Crepe Bandage: Uses, Types And How to Apply It Safely
What Is Crepe Bandage?
Crepe bandages are amongst the most important types of bandages and wound dressings, and you’ll see one in almost every first-aid kit. They can be used in a multitude of ways for different purposes, which adds to their versatility.
You must have seen doctors using it extensively whenever there is any sort of injury, let’s dive a little into them, and understand how they’ve made such an important place for themselves in the healthcare industry.
Material Composition
These bandages are made of cotton, which makes them breathable and comfortable. But if you have ever used one before, you’ll notice that it’s elastic and stretchable as well.
Where does that come from?
In these bandages, cotton is mixed with elastic fibers such as spandex or rubber, making it highly useful for using it on different body parts. If you’re looking for ones that provide utmost comfort, breathability, and stretch, we highly recommend Stergic’s crepe bandages.
Features that make it stand out
These bandages can be used on almost any part of the body, and they will mold themselves accordingly with their stretchability. So, no worries of using it on areas such as joints.
Adding to this, the rough texture of these bandages is another feature that works in its favour. This is because the bandage won’t slip no matter where you place it.
The different types
The market is full of different types of these bandages, and knowing which one to buy according to your need is crucial.
The crepe bandages are segregated based on the level of support they can give, for example-
Lightweight: These are perfect for light, everyday uses.
Mediumweight: You can use them for sprains or joint support.
Heavyweight: Ideal when there is a need of strong compression, or post-surgical care.
Additionally, you may also find self-adhesive ones in the market, which are highly convenient as they stick to themselves, and hence don’t need any pins or clips.
The Different Crepe Bandage Uses You Should Be Aware Of
Healthcare experts, or even you, can use these bandages in a wide variety of ways. To say that they are the backbone of the healthcare industry wouldn’t be wrong!
Let’s explore the different types of it, and its uses across different industries and places:
Healthcare and Medical Industries
It’s a given, but these industries are the most frequent users of these bandages. Thanks to their versatility, and the wide varieties they can be used in, like sprains, injuries, compression, post-surgical care etc.
Sports Industry
These bandage uses are many, especially for sportsmen, who regularly use them to provide joint support during workouts, thus preventing injury. They also work wonders in managing the muscle pulls and cramps.
Your First-Aid Kit
These bandages should always be present in your first-aid kit, that’s a must. Any minor injuries can be taken care of, or whenever you need mild support for any joint. At Stergic, we highly recommend that you keep one ready, always.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy sessions require these bandages for support. Additionally, all the cold/hot therapy packs use them. If there’s chronic pain in any particular part of the body, they work wonders by promoting gradual healing.
How To Choose The Right Crepe Bandage Always
If you’re looking to use one at home, it’s essential to pick the right one.
The right bandage is one that works for your needs,
Ask yourself questions like, what body part am I using it on? What level of support do I need?
These bandages come in different weights, as already discussed. Lightweight, mediumweight, and heavyweight.
They also come in different widths, for example-
6 cm width: ideal for wrist, hand
10 cm width: ideal for ankle, elbow
15 cm width: ideal for knee, leg or thighs.
How To Use Crepe Bandage For Ankle Injuries?
You can always use these bandages for ankle sprains or swelling. They provide ample support, combined with breathability, so your skin doesn’t suffer.
These bandages provide mild compression for your injuries, and make it comfortable for your ankle while you’re walking.
To use this bandage for ankle, wrap it around your foot and ankle in a figure-eight motion, and adjust it accordingly to the level of compression that you need.
How To Use Crepe Bandage For Hand Injuries?
Their elastic nature is excellent for using on your hands, where there is frequent movement present. You cannot do without moving your hands, and this bandage takes care of exactly that.
It provides appropriate compression strains, swellings, or minor fractures on your hand. These bandages for hand injuries can be used by wrapping the bandage around the hand and wrist area, taking care of the shape of your hand and making sure you’re not feeling too restricted.
Their breathable and reusable properties make these bandage for hand an ideal option.
How To Use Crepe Bandage For Foot Pain And Swelling?
For foot related injuries or pains, these bandages are an excellent option. This is because they provide compression that can help in reducing the inflammation of joints and muscles.
For using this bandage for foot, gently start wrapping the it around your foot and ankle starting from your toes, and then slowly wrapping it in the upwards part.
Once it’s done, it can help you in managing sprains and swelling effectively, by restricting excessive movement of the joint.
These bandages for foot pain and swelling is the most common and effective option, provided that you choose the right one and wrap it snugly around that area.
How To Use Crepe Bandage For Leg Muscles?
This one is popularly used by sportsperson, as regular activities like running can cause too much strain on the legs. These bandages for leg muscles act as a saviour in this situation.
Any sort of activity that requires long hours of standing or overusing the legs, can cause significant pain, swelling, or strain.
A crepe bandage, in this case, provides good support to the muscles, reduces the inflammation in that particular part, and also helps in promoting better blood circulation.
These bandages for leg should be used carefully, though, making sure there is enough compression to feel supported and comfortable, but not too tight, as it can cause numbness or throbbing.
If you find any weird signs, like discoloration, or swelling beyond the area, it’s an indication that the bandage is wrapped too tightly.
It’s important to understand that while these bandages are made to provide support, they can work against your favour if you do not wrap them correctly around the affected area.
How To Use Crepe Bandage For Wrist Strains?
For wrist-related injuries or pain, these bandages are regularly used. This is because they provide the accurate friction, so you can hold things due to the texture of the bandage, and also lets your skin breathe, since it is made of cotton.
For using these bandages for wrist strains, start by gently and snugly wrapping the bandage around your wrist and then working upwards. Make as many overlaps as you want, just make sure your skin doesn’t feel too restricted or heavy after the application.
It’s important to make sure that you can still move your fingers comfortably, and do mild movements of your wrist.
Some precautions you need to take care of while using these bandage for wrist are:
Checking if the bandage is wrapped too tightly, as it can cut off the blood circulation in that area.
Also, this bandage should be used as long as you are advised for it by a medical professional. If you use it for too long, it can cause muscle stiffness - which is the last thing we want after a wrist related injury.
Taking Care Of It: Can We Wash Crepe Bandage?
One of the most asked questions. Can we wash these bandages after using it? Yes, you can and you should definitely wash it. This is an essential step, especially if you are reusing it.
Some important things to take care of:
- Wash it using hands, in either cold or lukewarm water.
- Avoid using hot water for cleaning, as it can impact the elasticity of the bandage.
- Avoid putting the bandage directly in sunlight or too much heat, as it can reduce the elasticity.
- Once cleaned, store the bandage by rolling it up in a clean and dry place. This will help in maintaining its shape and stretch.
Now that we have answered almost all your questions, including ‘can we wash crepe bandage’, we believe you’re now thoroughly informed about these bandages, its uses, precautions, etc!