SELF-CARE

Host of manufacturers taking wraps off new bandages

Spring is right around the corner, and consumers have a slew of new bandages to speed the healing of the cuts and scrapes that come with participating in outdoor activities.

Here's a sampling of new products manufacturers are unveiling:

Beiersdorf Inc./USA is introducing Curad Spray Bandage. The spray application is designed to cover cuts and scrapes on all different body parts, including areas where traditional bandages have trouble sticking, such as knuckles, knees, elbows, and feet. According to Beiersdorf, the waterproof product's transparent, breathable film dries in seconds and gradually disappears as the body heals. The new Curad Spray Bandage is available in a 1-fl. oz. (32.5 ml) spray that allows for 40 applications. The product makes its debut this month. The suggested retail price is $5.99.

Beiersdorf is also introducing new adhesive technology for its Curad bandages. As Erik Rahner, Curad brand manager, explained, "Using a new adhesive technology for our Curad bandages in 2003 has several advantages for the consumer. The improved adhesive does not contain latex, thus it is proven to be skin-friendly. It provides superior adhesion without leaving sticky residues on the skin."

This new technology will be used for the Curad Plastic, Sheer, Sensitive, and Flex-Fabric products. The new improved Curad line also comes in tamper-proof boxes for safety and protection. The new line will be touted in a print ad campaign and will be supported with displays and other promotional programs.

Beiersdorf is also offering Curad Wound Wipes. These thick, moist wipes are designed to help cleanse wounds and fight germs with an antibacterial, benzalkonium chloride. The wipes are available in boxes of 14 pads. The suggested retail price is $2.79.

Yet another new entry from Beiersdorf is Curad Scar Therapy Cosmetic Pads. The product is intended to reduce the visibility of raised and/or colored scars.The pads come in boxes of 21. The suggested retail price is $16.99.

Curad Hydro Heal premium bandages are also available from Beiersdorf. The bandages were developed to support moist wound healing, a method of healing naturally by retaining the skin's natural moisture level while protecting wounds or burns against water, dirt, and germs. The bandages come in boxes of 10. The average retail price is $3.59.

Consumers also have other new bandages to choose from. Among them are Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products' Band-Aid Brand liquid bandage, an adhesive that forms a flexible covering sealing cuts from dirt and germs; Tough Strips, a bandage with heavy-duty fabric protection; Water Block Plus Finger-Wrap, designed to stay on fingers when wet; and Water Block Plus Finger-Care, for knuckles and fingertips. There are also two new dressing kits that don't require scissors: Waterproof Dressing Kit, which includes gauze pads and self-adhesive waterproof tape sheets, and Peel 'N' Protect Dressing Kit, which includes gauze pads and pre-cut flexible tape strips.

Children will be delighted by four new character bandages from J&J: Rugrats, Stars & Stripes, Harry Potter, and SpongeBob SquarePants.

HemCon has received clearance from the Food & Drug Administration for the HemCon Bandage, a bandage that stops severe bleeding. U.S. soldiers will be the first to use the bandage. The product is currently approved for prescription use only. A consumer version is slated to debut this summer at a cost of $139 per bandage. The bandage, made from chitosan, a shrimp-based product, was invented at the Oregon Medical Laser Center located at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. The company anticipates that consumers who purchase the pricey bandage will be those who participate in high-risk sports, such as hiking and skiing. These consumers may want to be prepared in the event that a traumatic injury occurs and they do not have access to immediate emergency personnel.

In a separate but related development, a smart bandage is being developed by researchers in Virginia to pinpoint and absorb a destructive enzyme called elastase, which oozes from nonhealing wounds. The new cotton dressing is designed to accelerate the healing process for bedsores, diabetic foot sores, and other wounds that resist conventional treatments. Clinical trials for the product are slated to begin this year.

Sandra Levy

Sandra Levy. Host of manufacturers taking wraps off new bandages.

Drug Topics

2003;5:56.