Bandages

A bandage is something you put on a cut or scrape. It has a sticky part and a soft pad in the middle. The pad covers the hurt spot to keep it clean. Bandages help cuts heal faster and keep germs out.

How Bandages Help

When you get a small cut, a bandage protects it from dirt. The soft pad soaks up any blood or liquid. The sticky edges hold it in place on your skin. Bandages also keep your boo-boo from rubbing against your clothes. After a few days, you can take the bandage off and the cut is usually healed.

The Band-Aid Story

The first sticky bandage was invented in 1920 by Earle Dickson. He worked for a company called Johnson & Johnson. His wife often cut her fingers in the kitchen, and he wanted to help. He made a strip by sticking a small piece of gauze onto tape. His boss loved the idea and started selling them as Band-Aids.

Fun Facts

• Band-Aids come in many fun designs with cartoons and colors.
• Over 100 billion Band-Aids have been sold since 1920.
• Some bandages are made of fabric, while others are made of plastic.

Did You Know?

The very first Band-Aids were made by hand and were 18 inches long and 2 and a half inches wide.