Smith & Nephew Conforming Bandage (5cmx1.75m)

Smith & Nephew Conforming Bandage (5cm x 1.75m) is a lightweight, stretchable roll bandage made from a soft, latex-free blend of viscose and polyamide fibres, woven in an open, breathable pattern. As a medical device rather than a medicine, it does not contain any active pharmaceutical ingredient and works purely through its physical conforming and retention properties.

The 5cm width is one of several sizes in the Smith & Nephew Conforming Bandage range (2.5cm, 5cm, 7.5cm and 10cm, all supplied at 1.75m length), allowing the right size to be matched to the body part being dressed — narrower widths for fingers and toes, wider widths for limbs, knees and elbows. Each roll is sold individually, is washable, and is intended for external use on intact or already-dressed skin.

Unlike a rigid strapping tape, a conforming bandage is knitted with a two-way stretch that lets it mould closely to the natural contours of a joint or limb without slipping or bunching. When wrapped in overlapping turns, the bandage’s elastic recoil applies gentle, even pressure across the wrapped area, while the open-weave structure allows air to circulate to the skin underneath.

Clean and dry the wound area and apply the primary dressing or gauze swab first, then unroll the 5cm Conforming Bandage and wrap it around the dressing in spiral, overlapping turns, each turn covering about half of the previous one, working from the narrower part of the limb towards the wider part. Secure the end with a clip, tape, or by tucking it under the last turn, making sure the bandage is snug but not tight enough to restrict circulation.

Check the fingers or toes beyond the bandage for signs of swelling, numbness, tingling or a change in colour shortly after applying it, and loosen and reapply the bandage if any of these occur. Replace the bandage whenever it becomes wet, soiled or loose, and always use a fresh dressing underneath at each change.

Not applicable — this is not a medicine. Smith & Nephew Conforming Bandage (5cm x 1.75m) is a wound-retention bandage and has no dose, frequency or maximum daily amount.

Smith & Nephew Conforming Bandage does not carry a pharmaceutical expiry date as it contains no active ingredient; however, it is best used before any date printed on the packaging, and should be inspected for fraying, loss of elasticity or contamination before each use.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, in its original packaging. Keep away from sharp objects that could snag or tear the fibres, and discard the roll if it becomes wet, discoloured or contaminated before use.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine and does not cause pharmacological side effects.
• Skin irritation, redness or discomfort may occasionally occur if the bandage is wrapped too tightly or worn for a prolonged period without changing.

• Do not use directly on broken or open skin without a primary dressing underneath, as the bandage itself is not sterile.
• Avoid use in individuals with a known sensitivity to viscose, polyamide or other bandage fibres.
• Do not wrap so tightly that it restricts blood flow, particularly in individuals with poor circulation, diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine.

• Choose the bandage width that matches the body part — narrower for fingers and toes, wider for limbs and joints.
• Always apply a clean primary dressing or gauze swab before wrapping the conforming bandage over it.
• Wrap firmly but check that you can still slide a finger comfortably under the bandage.
• Check the skin beyond the bandage regularly for swelling, tingling or colour change.
• Replace the bandage if it becomes wet, loose or soiled.
• Store the roll in a clean, dry place and keep the packaging until first use to keep it dust-free.

Precautions: This bandage is intended for external use only and should not be applied directly over deep or heavily bleeding wounds without first controlling the bleeding and covering the area with an appropriate primary dressing. Take extra care when bandaging children, elderly individuals, or anyone with fragile skin, reduced sensation or circulatory problems, and check the bandaged area regularly.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical attention if a wound underneath the bandage shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or fever, if numbness, tingling or colour change develops in the area beyond the bandage and does not resolve after loosening it, or if a wound does not appear to be healing as expected.