How to make a butterfly bandage

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:

  • Cut a strip from a roll of 2.5 cm (1 in.) adhesive tape and fold it in half lengthwise, sticky side out.
  • Cut a notch not far from the fold in each long side of the tape.
  • Unfold the tape, then fold the notched pieces together, sticky side in. The centre of the tape will be non-sticky. Keep this part clean since it will be over the wound.
  • 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: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine