My guess is that everyone already knows about these things but I did not. We keep a good supply of bandaids, antibiotic ointment, etc. but, with my finger, the cut goes down the right side across my finger and partially up the left side so bandaids we have here weren’t working so well. The ones that have a large enough pad to cover the wound are just huge. While the finger is still store, getting a bandaid off isn’t easy and hurts! Yesterday when I cleaned it and changed the bandage, I used a large bandaid because it’s easier to get a glove on and off without such a thick bandage. Today when I had to get the bandaid off to change the bandage, I realized that was not such a good idea. I ended up having to cut the bandaid off and was so afraid I was going to cut my finger.
The doctor sent me home with “non-adherent dressing pads“. The link is to Amazon but I imagine that Walmart, Target . . similar places have these. They have been great. She sent the 3″ x 4″ pads and I cut them in half to get a 1.5″ x 4” pad and that wraps nicely around my finger.
She also sent us home with a roll of Coban self-adherent wrap. It was the wider one but Vince found some 1″ x 5′ rolls and those work much better on my finger. That wrap is much easier to get off than a bandaid.
I’ve ordered more of the pads and more of the 1″ Coban rolls to add to our medical supplies.
If there are other things you feel it’s important to keep in our first aid box, other than the normal things like bandaids, antibiotic cream, anti-itch cream, etc., would you please leave them in the comments? I would hate to think about going through this whole healing process with just bandaids. I’m happy to have bandaids and they definitely serve a purpose but for this, other things work better and I know there are other things out there that I don’t know about.
The finger is back to having a bandage that is thicker, but much easier to remove.
Paula Nordt says
Manuka honey. Not cheap, but great for healing wounds. My husband had a very deep wound left from laser treatment for skin cancer. After a year of not healing, I sent him to a wound care specialist. He started treatment with Manuka honey for the first six weeks. Really made a difference.
neilleann says
This is the greatest isnt it? I am hesitent to use it when I am going to be outside though. Although it is covered I worry about bees being attracted! LOL
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I take a teaspoon of Manuka honey every day and forgot about using it for wound care. Thanks!
Arrowhead Gramma says
Judy, I have been using silicone band aids and they are wonderful. They are easy to put on and take off without doing damage. I was using the fabric band aids, but had a horrible time getting them off without doing further damage to the affected area. I have purchased the silicone band aids from both Amazon and CVS. Good luck with the healing of your finger.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Thank you. I’ll look for those. I do not like the fabric band aids at all and that’s about all our Walmart has.
Joyce says
Four years ago (on May 31), I split my knee open when I tripped an fell while out walking. The wound took a bunch of stitches to close–the scar is about 4 inches long across my knee. When it came time to change the dressing, I had a really hard time finding non-stick pads to put on it. The main issue was that they weren’t long enough, so I had to tape a couple together to make a longer one. Then you had to have tape to keep it in place. I also had to wrap it with an elastic bandage to keep the dressing from slipping or coming loose when I walked. Since then I have kept a selection of various size non-stick pads for stuff like that. I actually have a few extras now from when I had radiation for breast cancer and had a couple of really nasty burns. The doctors all have the good stuff you can’t find in a store!
judy.blog@gmail.com says
We were in Walmart – the larger one not the smaller one near us and I was kinda shocked at the lack of first aid supplies. I think I saw some larger non-stick pads at Amazon so maybe I’ll order those just to have on hand.
Amy Kollasch says
Check your dollar stores. When my mom had knee surgery, she could only find the nonstick dressings at the dollar store here. You would be surprised with what you can find in the dollar store.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Thanks. I will check there!
Kathy C says
Knuckle and finger top bandaids
Finger cots
Steristrips
butterfly bandaids
small flashlight
eyewash
a tourniquet
tampons ( don’t laugh, use for deep wounds)
Sheryl says
…I have a selection of sizes of Tegaderm (brand name) occlusive dressings. You can order other brand names on Amazon but they all do the same thing. They’re clear and can be used to completely cover dressings to keep them waterproof and they stay put. You can cut them down if needed but be sure to leave some of the edges intact so you can keep the sticky intact. I use them to cover the continuous glucose monitor I wear. It’s practically impossible to knock the dressing off until I’m ready to take it off. “Opsite” is another brand name for the same type dressing. I’m sending you a link to Amazon search page for them.
ChrisP says
Tampons are also great for a bloody nose that just won’t stop bleeding. You can also get that self-adherent wrap from the pet department or Chewy sometimes for less then for humans. Waterproof hydrocolloid bandages. Also, Waterproof Transparent Dressing.
Diane Kummelman says
We keep Blood Stop in our wound care kit. Husband is a bleeder and you sprinkle some on the wound, apply pressure for 5 minutes and it really helps with bleeding and being able to apply a bandage.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Never heard of it. Thanks! Just ordered some.
Sandi B says
I was going to suggest that as well. I’m sure you have steri-strips as well. If you have a store nearby that sells durable medical equipment, they usually have a really good wound care/first aid supply section.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I think one of the pharmacies near us should have a good first aid section. Thanks for reminding me of that!