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How to make a butterfly bandage

A butterfly bandage can be used to hold the edges of a cut together while it heals.

To make a butterfly bandage:

  1. Cut a strip from a roll of 1 in. (2.5 cm) adhesive tape and fold it in half lengthwise, sticky side out.
  2. Cut a notch not far from the fold in each long side of the tape.
  3. Unfold the tape, then fold the notched pieces together, sticky side in. The center of the tape will be non-sticky. Keep this part clean since it will be over the wound.
  4. Place one sticky end of the tape on the skin to one side of the wound, then pull the other sticky end tightly across the wound to pull the wound edges together. If the wound is long, you may need more than one bandage.

Current as of: May 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: May 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

© 2024-2026 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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