Section 7-2: Support bandages

Support may be defined as the retention and control of tissue without the application of compression. It is usually provided to prevent the development of a deformity or change in shape of a mass of tissue due to swelling or sagging. Support bandages are available both plain and coated with adhesive.

Plain support bandages

The support bandages available on the Drug Tariff are Crepe Bandage BP, woven from cotton and wool, and Cotton Crepe Bandage BP - more familiarly known as Elastocrepe which is made entirely of cotton. Both types of bandage have been used to provide support in the treatment of sprains and strains and to apply compression in the management of leg ulcers caused by venous insufficiency. Numerous published studies have demonstrated, however, that the elastic properties of these bandages are such that they are unable to provide and maintain the levels of pressure that are required for this indication and therefore they should not be used for this purpose. Competent compression bandages containing elastomeric yarns are much better suited for this application, and these are described elsewhere. It is likely that a significant proportion of all crepe bandages supplied are used inappropriately for dressing retention. This is not cost effective, for these bandages are much more expensive than the bandages described in Table 59 .

Adhesive support bandages

There are two adhesive bandages in the Drug Tariff. Elastic Adhesive Bandage BP, Elastoplast, which is coated with a zinc oxide adhesive, and Diachylon Adhesive Bandage, more commonly known as Lestreflex, which is used in place of Elastoplast where skin sensitivity reactions are present or suspected.