Zinc Paste Bandages

Zinc paste bandages are semi-rigid compression bandages widely used in orthopedics and angiology. In this topic area, you can learn more about how to apply the bandages, the materials required and the clinical applications.

Zinc Paste Bandages – Multiple Brands

Varolast Plus Zinc Paste Bandage

CHF 5.29 net

Your PLUS customer savings CHF 0.26 net

In stock

Compare product

Gelocast elastic Zink-Gel-Verband, leicht zu verarbeiten und schnelltrocknend

Gelocast Elastic Zinc Bandage

CHF 129.29 net

Your PLUS customer savings CHF 5.74 net

In stock

Packaging unit: 10 PC

Compare product

Varicex S

CHF 6.79 net

Your PLUS customer savings CHF 0.34 net

In stock

Packaging unit: 1 PC

Compare product

Zinc Paste Bandages

Zinc paste bandages are semi-rigid compression bandages used for a variety of medical conditions. A zinc paste bandage consists of a gauze bandage impregnated with a paste made from water, zinc oxide, and a binding agent. As the bandages are applied moist, they are individually sealed in foil pouches, ensuring a long shelf life.

In general, zinc paste bandages can be classified as either rigid or elastic. Rigid zinc paste bandages do not stretch during application and may need to be cut and reapplied if adjustments are required. Elastic zinc paste bandages, on the other hand, allow joints to be wrapped easily and smoothly without folds. For particularly challenging areas, longitudinally and cross-elastic bandages are available, which conform especially well to conical body parts and joints.

Indications for Zinc Paste Bandages

Zinc paste bandages are used primarily in orthopedics and angiology. Depending on the method of application, they can be used in compression therapy to treat lower-leg oedema, stabilise joints, such as in sprains, or for the treatment of epicondylitis. In general, the bandages help reduce swelling and support or stabilise injured limbs.

Zinc paste bandages generate high working pressure while maintaining low resting pressure, which makes patient mobilisation an important consideration. The high resistance helps to promote drainage even in the deep veins of the leg.

Tips for Applying Zinc Paste Bandages

Applying Zinc Paste Bandages Over a Protective Layer

For patients with sensitive, allergy-prone skin or areas with dense body hair, it is recommended to apply the zinc paste bandage over a protective layer. This layer acts as a skin-friendly barrier and also prevents body hair from sticking to the zinc paste during drying. Overall, a protective layer makes the removal of the zinc paste bandage easier and more comfortable for the patient.

Various materials can be used as the protective layer. The most common is a tubular bandage (e.g., Stülpa or tg soft), which is cut to the required length and rolled over the area to be bandaged. Alternatively, a soft gauze bandage can also be used as a protective layer.

Applying Zinc Paste Bandages Directly to the Skin

When the zinc paste bandage is applied directly to the skin, several advantages arise. Direct contact allows the cooling effect of the zinc paste to work most effectively, and during drying, the bandage adheres slightly to the underlying skin, ensuring a better hold. This helps prevent the bandage from slipping, even when worn for several days.

The zinc paste bandage can be warmed slightly if needed to make application more comfortable for the patient, and it should be wrapped over dry skin. As the bandage must not be applied directly to open wounds, any wounds should be appropriately covered prior to application, depending on individual circumstances.

General Information on Zinc Paste Bandages

Zinc paste bandages are generally applied using gloves, as the moist bandage can leave stains and, particularly with frequent contact, may cause allergic reactions. To achieve the desired effect, the zinc paste should be applied generously in multiple overlapping layers while joints are positioned in their functional alignment. Padding should be used wherever excessive pressure could cause injury, such as around the ankles or the Achilles tendon.

Typically, a zinc paste bandage can be left on the skin for four to five days. After this period, it should either be replaced with a fresh bandage, removed entirely, or replaced with an elastic bandage.

Protecting Patient’s Clothing

As a zinc paste bandage takes 24 to 48 hours to fully dry and harden, an additional layer is wrapped over the bandage to protect the patient’s clothing from soiling.

The type of cover used depends mainly on whether the zinc paste bandage has been applied over an underlay bandage or directly on the skin. When applied directly to the skin, a dry gauze bandage is usually used as the cover. This is wrapped in one or two layers, then cut to length and secured with adhesive tape.

For zinc paste bandages applied over an underlay tubular bandage, the same tubular band can also be used as a cover. To do this, the tubular band is measured to double the required length before application, half is rolled up, and the other half is rolled over the area of skin that will later be covered by the bandage. Once the zinc paste bandage has been fully applied, the rolled-up end of the tubular band is rolled over the zinc paste bandage and secured at the lower end with an adhesive plaster strip.

For both methods, it is also possible to add extra fixation using a cohesive bandage, which is wrapped either over the tubular band or the gauze cover. This band adheres only to itself, not to the skin or hair, requires no additional securing, and ensures that the zinc paste bandage stays in place more reliably while maintaining a neat appearance.

Purchase Zinc Paste Bandages at Praxisdienst

Need more information on zinc paste bandages? No problem. In our Zinc Paste Bandages category, we have all the essential information you need, including guidance on correct application.