A Guide To The Different Types Of Plasters And When To Use Them:

First aid and health & safety standards in a workplace are overseen by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) within the UK, and while the HSE does not mandate specific plaster types, it is important that employers ensure the first aid supplies they use, such as plasters, are suitable for their level of workplace risk. Plasters, also known as adhesive dressings, come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, each made for a specific use. Knowing which type of plaster to use, as well as when to actually use it, can allow for faster healing, reduce the risk of wound or cut infection, and also support the effectiveness of your first aid kit.

Who invented plasters?

The modern adhesive plaster we all know today has a surprisingly long and continuously evolving history. Earle Dickson (1893 - 1961) is responsible for the first commercial plaster. The plaster was released under the brand name “Band-Aid” in 1920 through the company Johnson & Johnson, with Earle Dickson being just a regular employee, and eventually moving up to vice president of Johnson & Johnson later on in the early 1950s. Earle created the plaster initially for his wife Josephine, who would frequently cut or burn herself while cooking. 

The original plasters were handmade, and in fact not very popular. At least until 1924, when Johnson & Johnson introduced the machine-made plasters, and further the release of sterilised plasters in the year 1939. During the second world war, machine made plasters allowed for millions of plasters to be sent out to soldiers overseas, which helped plasters become not only well-known, but a household name.

Over time, the plaster became widely used in UK workplaces, with BS 8599-1 providing a recommended standard for first aid kit contents. Today, plasters have evolved technology allowing washproof plasters, kids plasters with fun designs, as well as highly specialised burn plasters, each playing an important and continuously growing role in wound care.

Round plasters, square plasters and spot plasters: When and why to use each.

One of the first, and most important things to think about before applying a plaster is the size and shape of the plaster. For smaller wounds, for example, insect bites, minor injections, or shaving cuts, small round plasters (also commonly known as spot plasters) are likely the best choice. The compact, circular design of spot plasters can cover the small wound securely and comfortably, while still allowing the surrounding skin to have good ventilation and breathability. Similarly, square plasters give a very balanced coverage for cuts that are small, but cannot be fully covered by a spot plaster. Square plasters are especially helpful on areas such as the back of the hand or palm, where any muscle movement may make larger plasters to peel or come off.

Using the wrong size plaster may reduce comfort and protection, which can increase the risk of contamination or infection. Before applying a plaster, make sure to clean the wound using sterile wipes, and make sure that the plaster is proportionately and correctly sized for the injury.

How do I choose the right plaster for younger patients?

Children tend to gain more cuts, scrapes, and grazes than adults, due to their active nature and still-developing coordination. However, not all plasters are made for children. By opting for hypoallergenic, latex-free, and dermatologically tested kids plasters, you can help to prevent irritation. Fun, animal-themed plasters also help to reduce anxiety, as well as encourage young children to keep the plaster on.

How do I choose the correct burn plaster?

Burns can be the most sensitive and high-risk type of injury for anybody. Standard plasters should never be used on fresh burns, as they will likely stick to the wound and cause further tissue damage and pain. Instead, it is recommended to use specific burn plasters which contain hydrogel, which helps to support healing after the burn has been cooled under running water, relieve burn pain, as well as create a moist and natural healing environment. Burn plasters are very essential in any burn first aid kit where burn injuries are a high risk, for example, kitchens, workshops, or schools (cooking classes, or science experiments using a bunsen burner or splint).

What are all purpose fabric plasters for?

Fabric plasters are the most widely used type of plaster for everyday use. Fabric plasters are highly breathable, flexible, and fit well to contorted or awkward areas like elbows and knees. Fabric plasters are commonly available in a wide range of sizes and are suited for everything from minor cuts to post-injection care. It is incredibly helpful to keep an assortment of fabric plasters in your first aid kit at home, at work, or even for a travel first aid kit.

High quality, reliable fabric plasters used in workplaces should meet BS 8599-1 standards to be suitable, and should be added to first aid kits that are compliant with BS 8599-1 standards. In workplaces where contamination is a concern, such as any jobs requiring food handling or catering tasks, the best option for fabric plasters would be detectable blue plasters.

When should I use earring plasters?

In the case of physical and outdoor activities, earring plasters, or earring tape is very important. Ear tape can prevent the earring from getting caught on objects, the ground or other sports players leading to further injury, as well as helping to prevent infection. Earring covers for school or for PE are required in most schools for safety during physical activity, however, they are not classified medical products.

Understanding the different types of plasters and when to use them is very important for factors such as safety, hygiene, and correct first aid practice. Whether you're applying spot plasters for a small wound or a burns plaster to treat a minor burn, selecting the right plaster helps to ensure the best natural healing.