What are butterfly bandages?

Butterfly bandages, also known as butterfly closures, are bandages that are designed for small wounds, but those that are much deeper than surface scratches. As opposed to traditional _bandages_ that simply close up the wound, promote the healing process and protect it from environmental contaminants, butterfly bandages are designed to be placed on either side of a deep cut, where they can close this gap to lessen scarring and lessen the total healing time after an injury (_Harvard Health Publishing_). Butterfly bandages are ideally suited for wounds that are 2 inches long or more, and they can also be layered on top of a larger cut in some cases. For larger wounds that may require stitches, butterfly bandages are the preferred choice to keep these wounds closed until the injured person can seek medical attention. How are butterfly bandages used?

In the event of a deep cut that may require stitches, butterfly bandages are the best option for those who are administering first aid. After first cleaning and disinfecting the wound, butterfly bandages are best applied width-wise across the length of the cut. Start by placing one side of the butterfly bandage on one side of the wound, and squeeze the skin tight around the cut to seal it shut and then apply the other side of the butterfly bandage to keep it closed. Butterfly bandages are a staple in _first aid kit_ and medical settings, and are available over-the-counter. These products are fully eligible for reimbursement with consumer-directed healthcare accounts as they have a wealth of potential medical uses.