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How do I apply plasters and other dressings?

Wash and dry your hands before applying any dressing, and wear disposable surgical gloves if you have them.

Also:

  • ask the person who's bleeding to sit or lie down, and tell them what you're doing as you apply the dressing
  • stop any bleeding by applying pressure and raising the affected leg or arm higher than the heart
  • use a dressing that's slightly bigger than the wound you want it to cover
  • hold the dressing at the edges, keeping your fingers away from the part that's going to cover the wound

Sterile dressing pads attached to bandages

Sterile (hygienic) dressing pads come in a protective wrapping. Once out of the wrapping, they're no longer sterile.

When applying one:

  • clean and dry the wound and surrounding skin
  • hold the bandage on either side of the pad
  • lay the pad directly on the wound
  • wind the short end once around the limb and the pad (leave the end hanging out)
  • wind the other end around the limb to cover the whole pad
  • tie the ends together over the pad to secure it, and put slight pressure on the wound
  • if blood comes through the dressing, remove it and apply pressure using a new pad – when the bleeding is under control, secure the pad in place with a new dressing

Checking circulation

Check the person's circulation after applying the bandage. To do this, press a nail on the hand or foot of the same arm or leg as the wound for 5 seconds until it turns pale.

The bandage is too tight if the colour does not return within 2 seconds, so you'll need to loosen it. Check their circulation every 10 minutes.

When to get medical help

If the wound is severe or there's something embedded in it, you may need to go to an urgent care centre after applying the dressing.

If you cannot stop the bleeding, go to your nearest A&E as soon as possible.

Find out if a cut needs stitches and when to get medical help

Plasters (adhesive dressings)

Plasters are made from a piece of gauze and have a sticky (adhesive) backing. They're usually wrapped in single sterile packs.

They sometimes come in different shapes and sizes, or you can cut them to size. Some plasters are waterproof.

When applying one:

  • clean and dry the wound and surrounding skin – read more about how to clean a wound
  • unwrap the plaster and hold it by the protective strips with the pad side facing down
  • peel back the strips, but do not remove them
  • place the pad on the wound, pull away the strips, and press the edges of the plaster down

Plasters should be replaced every time they get dirty or wet, or if the blood soaks through.

A small number of people are allergic to the adhesive strips – ask them if this is the case before applying a plaster.

Further information

Page last reviewed: 19 December 2023
Next review due: 19 December 2026