Band aid

Band Aid is a brand of adhesive bandages distributed by the American pharmaceutical and medical-devices company Johnson & Johnson. Band Aid has become a generic term for adhesive bandages in many parts of the world.

History

Earle Dickson, an employee of Johnson & Johnson, invented Band Aid in 1920. The invention was driven by the frequent minor injuries of his wife, which required a convenient method of dressing. The original Band Aid was a piece of gauze placed on a strip of adhesive tape. It was later modified to the current form, where a small, medicated absorbent pad is placed on a fabric or plastic strip.

Usage

Band Aids are used to protect minor wounds from infection by covering them, thereby preventing bacteria and other contaminants from entering the wound. They also help to stop bleeding and absorb any fluids that may ooze out from the wound.

Varieties

Over the years, Band Aid has introduced various types of adhesive bandages catering to different needs. These include waterproof bandages, bandages for sensitive skin, and bandages of different shapes and sizes. There are also Band Aids with fun designs and colors, often featuring popular characters from children's entertainment, to make the product more appealing to children.

Cultural Impact

The term "Band Aid" has often been used metaphorically to refer to a temporary, quick-fix solution to a problem. The brand has also been associated with various charitable causes, most notably the Band Aid charity supergroup formed in 1984 to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.

See Also

• Adhesive bandage
• First aid
• Johnson & Johnson