A Crepe Bandage is an ECRU elastic bandage model, which is used in specialties such as traumatology, physiotherapy or nursing, to offer moderate compression on extremities and joints. Being made of 100% cotton, they allow their use on all skin types, without fear of reactions or allergies in patients with skin sensitivity to materials such as latex or rubber. There are numerous crepe bandage benefits, and how crepe bandage works in healthcare specialties. The primary characteristic of the crepe bandage is its adaptability to different parts of the body and its ease of application. Besides this quality, these types of bandages have other characteristics:
- Composed of 100% cotton,
- Suitable for all skin types,
- Breathable,
- Permeable to air and water vapor,
- Pleasant to the touch,
- Can be washed and reused,
- High degree of elasticity,
- Different sizes,
- Guides on the sides for correct placement.
Why buy a crepe band?
The crepe bandage stands out for offering a high degree of stability, limiting its movement and providing uniform compression in the area where the bandage is applied. Being hypoallergenic, breathable and reusable, it can be used in different situations and types of patients. The crepe bandages are indicated for the realization of bandages that have as objective –
- Attachment of dressings and other bandages such as splints,
- Moderate compression immobilization of traumatic injuries,
- Reduction of edema after immobilization,
- Joint sprains,
- Ligament strains,
- Varicose states,
- Vascular surgery.
5 uses of crepe bandage
A crepe bandage is the use of a roll of textile material to wrap a part of the body in a logical, rational and professional way. There are different bandages according to their manufacturing material. The bandage techniques are diverse and different depending on the purpose of the bandage, according to the material used and according to the anatomical area that you want to bandage.
Circular bandage for dressing and reduce swelling
It is that bandage in which each turn completely surrounds the previous one. Furthermore, the bandage is placed transversely to the axis of the limb. Its main indication is to control a haemorrhage by compressing it. Due to its simplicity, it is usually the dressing of choice in the case of personnel not trained in dressing.
Spiral bandage for dressing and mild to moderate sprains
It is that bandage that is generally applied on the extremities. Unlike the previous one, in this case each round of the bandage partially covers (about two thirds) of the previous round. Furthermore, the bandage is positioned at an inclination of approximately 20-30o with respect to the axis of the limb.
Bandage in figure eight for professional dressing and injuries
This bandage is used to immobilize the knee and elbow joints. To do this, the joint must be in a functional position, which may not occur if the injury has caused a deformity in the limb. In this bandage, a circular turn is made in the middle of the joint and alternates ascending and descending turns until forming figures in eight proximal and distal to the same joint.
Double herringbone bandage for traumatic injuries
This type of bandage is the most complex and the most used. It is used to immobilize the wrist and ankle joints. It is done through inverted inclinations with a back and forth movement, and when finished it is left with a “spike” aspect. Simultaneously, it will be a protective bandage, which aims to cover the affected body segment to protect it.
Functional bandage for mild to complex injuries
The physical therapy treatments may use various techniques and resources to ensure the restoration of movement. Among the possibilities is the functional bandage, which uses adhesive tapes with elastic properties aimed at modifying the alignment of various structures in the body. An improperly applied crepe bandage can cause discomfort to the patient. It is also important to make sure that the bandage is not too tight.
How to use the crepe bandage?
The crepe bandage helps in the compression stage. Tying the bandage around the injured part helps prevent further swelling and restricts movement in the affected area. Some observations when applying the crepe bandage –
- Check if the patient is comfortable,
- Position yourself beside the patient so that you avoid leaning over him,
- Leave the patient in a comfortable sitting or lying position,
- Keep the injured part supported,
- Use the correct bandage width for the wound,
- Avoid covering your fingers or toes when bandaging,
- Apply the bandage firmly, but being careful not to tighten it too tightly,
- After finishing, ask the patient if it is too tight and check how the blood is circulating.
Conclusion
Keep the rolled-up part of the bandage above the wound and the unrolled part below the wound. Start by wrapping the wound twice to hold the end in place. Depending on the injury, the site may swell after placing the bandage, and this can restrict or even cut off blood circulation. So check the circulation every 10 minutes, after having placed the crepe bandage.
