Be prepared
Latex-free gloves
Even if your hands are clean, it's important to wear gloves before tending to any injury, especially those that have blood or other bodily fluids secreting from them. Latex-free gloves are best, since many are allergic to latex and can have a reaction from the gloves merely touching their skin.
Nonstick adhesive pads
While the name may sound contradictory, these pads are intended to cushion wounds, not stick to them, although they can have adhesive side strips to help hold them in place. Wounds that need a little extra padding, including those with stitches, benefit from these nonstick bandages which help keep them protected while they heal.
Gauze pads
Alternatively, every first-aid kit should also have a hefty supply of gauze pads available. Gauze is absorbent and protective, helping cover wounds, stop excess bleeding and also give a clean surface to apply ointments when you're outdoors. Gauze pads can also double as eye pads in emergencies.
Assorted self-stick bandages
Whatever brand you choose, your first-aid kit should include a wide variety of self-stick bandages in an assortment of sizes. Fabric strips tend to work the best because they allow the wound to breathe while also keeping it protected. Make sure to include knuckle and finger bandages, as well as small, medium and large strip bandages.
Butterfly Closures
For deep cuts that might require stitches, it's always a good idea to have butterfly closures (also called butterfly bandages) in your first-aid kit. These specialty bandages, made for active or even accident-prone family members, help hold wounds together, allowing the skin to heal faster with less scarring.
Cloth tape
Not only does cloth tape (also known as medical tape and first-aid tape) help hold bandages and gauze in place, it can also double as a protective wrap, securing smaller injured or inflamed joints such as those on the fingers, toes and ankles. For kids who play impact sports, this tape can secure bandages on wounds and help keep sprained or strained joints immobilized.
