Bandaging is a medical technique. It involves wrapping an elastic bandage or bandage around a body part. Pressure is thus applied. It is often used to treat oedema (fluid accumulation) or wounds. But also after an injury or sprain.  

There are several reasons for bandaging. We list some of them for you:

• Reduction of fluid accumulation;
• Improving blood circulation;
• Muscle and joint support;
• Supporting wound healing;
• Relief of pain and swelling.

2-layer bandaging offers several advantages over single bandage systems. Here are some key reasons why this method is used:

• Constant pressure: 2-layer bandage systems provide more constant pressure over a longer period of time;
• Longer gestation period: These bandages can stay on for up to a week without sagging.
• Improved comfort: patients often find 2-layer bandages more comfortable. This is because they sag less and stay in place better;

Better mobility: despite looking thicker, the system is often thinner than short-stretch bandages. This allows patients to continue wearing their own shoes and remain more mobile.

You may apply cream to intact skin under the first layer. Is it a wound? Follow that it wound protocol.

When you start bandaging, start at the base of the little toe. However, it is important not to bandage the toes.

When using a 2-layer bandage system, it is usually recommended to start with one leg. Check this leg after 2 days. After that, the second leg can also be bandaged. Then check again after three days. After this, you can build it up further to five days and then to seven days. 2-layer bandages retain their pressure longer. As a result, they sag less quickly than single-layer bandages.

In certain situations, you should not bandage. This can pose health risks. Examples of such circumstances are:

• Acute heart failure: Do you start bandaging legs when someone suffers from acute heart failure? Then fluid can be pushed towards the heart. That can be fatal;
• Severe arterial problems: Is the blood supply to the skin and subcutaneous tissue reduced? Then bandaging can lead to ulcers or even tissue death;
• Severe skin conditions: Are there skin conditions or wounds that require care more than three times a week? Then bandaging may worsen the situation;
• High blood pressure: bandaging can increase blood pressure. This can be dangerous when someone already has high blood pressure;
• Poor arterial blood flow: there are certain conditions where arterial blood pressure at the ankle is below 60mHg. For example, etalage legs (intermittent claudication). In that case, bandaging can further impede blood flow.

It is advisable to perform an ankle-arm index and toe pressure measurement before bandaging.

Bandaging is an effective treatment for oedema, or fluid accumulation. It is used for several reasons:

• Reduction of fluid accumulation;
• Improving blood circulation;
• Tissue support;
• Accelerate wound healing.

Bandaging is a technique that needs to be applied carefully. Both to be effective and to avoid complications. Want to know what steps to follow? Then take a look at our bandage protocol.