This Genius Band-Aid Hack Is Perfect for the Next Time You Get an Awkward Cut
Updated: Aug. 03, 2017
Because sometimes simply using what the box gives you just doesn't cut it.
Until revolutionary medical slug glue is made widely available to the public, your best bet for treating a cut is probably going to be a Band-Aid. The reliable name-brand bandage first was introduced by Johnson & Johnson in 1920 and has proved its versatility as a first-aid kit staple ever since. However, the adhesive wound dressing can sometimes fail you, depending on the circumstance. (By the way, did you know about these genius first aid uses for duct tape?)
Band-aids are designed for specific situations, from knee scrapes to shaving slices, but when it comes to cuts on the knuckle and in between finger joints, the trusty bandage can fall short. But the solution to treat these very specific abrasions can be solved with two quick scissor snips.
Take a standard Band-Aid, with an appropriately-sized gauze pad to cover your cut. Remove the outer paper packaging, then take a pair of scissors and slice the bandage length-wise on each side, just up to the edge of the gauze pad. Now, remove the wax paper from the adhesive, apply the gauze section to the cut, then stick the four bandage strips above and below the bend.
To up the efficacy of the hack, use canvas bandages that are large enough for the cut. Essentially, this works by spreading out the anchoring ability of the bandage, allowing the adhesive to not work again itself when the joint moves.
You have it all bandaged, but it may still be infected. If your cut is showing one of these nine signs of infection, you might want to look into some more comprehensive medical attention.
