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Plasters

Need help? Need help? Let us answer your questions about plasters UK-Rated Plasters - Strong, Water Proof and Breathable

A must-have for every first aid kit, plasters are perfect for a full range of cuts, grazes and other minor everyday wounds. We stock a full range of adhesive dressings to ensure you are always ready at school, work, at home or on the road.

From regular pink washproof plasters and specially designed children’s plasters, to hydrocolloid for blisters and metal-detectable blue catering plasters, you can be sure to find the quality you need without breaking the bank. From square or round – large to small, we have them all. Order today for fast delivery from our UK hub.

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Plasters Buying Guide

Types of Wound Plaster

From treating cuts and grazes acquired in the school yard to lacerations, burns and wounds picked up during our working lives, plasters form the basis of every first aid kit. Often referred to as an adhesive dressing, there are a multitude of different types and varieties, each suited to a different type of injury and place on the body.

You should always ensure a comprehensive pack of plasters are added to any first aid kit you provide for your team. Check your risk assessment for more information on the types and quantity of plasters you may need in your first aid kit.

Image shows an individually wrapped plaster being removed from the packaging. Image shows a plaster applied to the index finger of a hand, against a white background. Image shows a plaster applied to the knuckle of the middle finger. Image shows a large patch type plaster applied to the back of a person's hand. Image shows a stripe type plaster applied to the back of a person's hand.
Plasters are often individually wrapped, to keep each one sterile. There are many kinds of plasters in an assortment of sizes - from small spot varieties used for injection sites to large patch types or strips suitable for small wounds or to cover earrings. Plasters come in a range of styles to suit different applications, including fingertip, knuckle, patch and strip styles. Which is best depends on the type and location of the wound.

At Seton, we stock a full range of plaster types including Washproof, Fabric and Catering.

Possibly the most recognisable type of dressing, Washproof Plasters are often pink or a variation of skin tone shades. These breathable coverings use a low-energy adhesive and are best for minor everyday lacerations and other injuries. As the name might indicate, they are intended to resist a level of moisture and water, such as washing up, showering or swimming.

Similarly Fabric Plasters offer premium protection against infection and help to keep the wound safe from minor abrasions, which may otherwise reopen a cut. The high strength adhesive means they can be worn for longer periods of time, but this often means they are less resistant to water.

If you work in the manufacture or other handling of food products, it is legally-vital that any wounds are covered to protect against contamination. A pack of Blue Catering Plasters are best, as they are designed specifically for this purpose. These dressings combine a high strength adhesive with low-allergy material and a high resistance to liquids, to offer a comfortable long-term wear whilst being able to withstand the needs of professional catering environments. The vibrant colour and small metal detectable strip contained within make it easy to find these plasters, should they somehow manage to make their way into the food being prepared.

For little ones, these Children’s Plasters offer the same premium level of protection but the colourful and fun handprint design helps to alleviate some of the distress, bumps, bruises and cuts can cause younger children.

For the targeted relief of blisters, we have the Advanced 1,2,3 Blister Plasters product. These small dressings offer the maximum protection against dirt, bacteria and moisture and enhance natural healing processes to soothe and heal the skin in quick time while providing ongoing pain relief.

Pink Washproof Plasters Blue Catering Plasters Fabric Plasters Children’s Plasters Advanced 1,2,3
Blister Plasters
Low-Allergy
Individually Wrapped
Assorted Shape/Sizes
Resists Moisture
Metal-Detectable
Contain Hydrocolloids

Our vast range is rounded out by the Easiplaster. This product offers a simple and intuitive alternative to regular solutions with its hassle-free application. There is no adhesive, so individuals won’t have to endure the discomfort of removing the plaster after applying it to small cuts and grazes - this unique material clings to itself instead of skin or hair. This product is designed for minor accidents and injuries and is a reliable, practical and cost-effective plaster for fingers, hands, arms and legs. Supplied as a continuous roll, designed to be cut into strips, its washproof material also makes it versatile across many industries and working environments.

Still not sure which is right for you? Why not take a look at our Assorted Plaster Value Pack. This kit contains four boxes of wound coverings at a quantity of 100 items per box. Contents include high quality fabric, blue catering and washproof plaster strips.

Do plasters go out of date?

The short answer to this question is yes, they do. You may be wondering why this is, after all everyday plasters are simple devices that don’t contain any chemicals or solutions which would be harmful to the body.

To better understand why these products expire, consider how they work. For instance most commonly plasters adhere to the skin using an acrylic polymer adhesive, but over time this compound can deteriorate losing its ability to stick securely. A plaster that won’t stay in place isn’t much use in protecting a wound.

In addition to this, many plaster products are sterile and therefore packaged in such a way as to prevent the item becoming contaminated prior to use. As with many materials, over a period of time the packaging materials begin to break down. This process compromises the integrity of the packaging, affecting the ability to keep the dressing sterile. In some cases, using a plaster which is no longer sterile presents as much risk as not using a plaster, or worse actively introduces bacteria to the wound intended to be protected. It is worth noting that whether the product is in date or expired, the sterility may also be compromised, if the pack is no longer new, and the outer packaging is already open.

For maximum protection, do not allow any expired medical items to make contact with a wound. When the price of replacements is so low, it isn’t worth the health risk.

Are plasters waterproof?

To answer this question, it is important to remember that not all products are created equal. The type of plaster that is used should be guided by a number of factors, including the size, type and location of the wound. In the same fashion, some people will require their wound covering to have some resistance to liquids while others will not.

Washproof

Capable of resisting water and other liquids, but not intended to be exposed to large volumes.

These plasters may be treated with a coating or use an adhesive that is able to withstand limited contact with water, such as washing hands.

VS

Waterproof

Fully impervious to water and other liquids. Usually carries an IP code.

Fully waterproof plasters are not required for the vast majority of daily activities.

It is also important to note that for most everyday tasks - such as washing hands, swimming and more, a washproof plaster will provide secure, reliable protection.

A washproof plaster offers a high resistance to water and similarly damp conditions. Engineered to repel a limited amount of moisture and liquids, these products, such as our low-allergy, sterile Pink Washproof Plasters are able to maintain a high level of adhesion to keep the wound protected.

It isn’t only adults that need wound care that can withstand exposure to water. The DependaPlast Childrens Washproof Plasters is supplied as a box of 100 assorted plasters, that are not only resistant to water, but are soft on delicate skin, breathable, sterile and latex-free - perfect for everyday cuts and scrapes.

Are plasters sterile?

Many plasters, such as our Multisoft Plasters, also known as adhesive dressings, are supplied in individual wrappings to keep them sterile. This helps to minimise the potential for the wound becoming infected, directly from contact with the plaster.

It is important to remember that once the package is opened, the product is no longer sterile and should be applied with minimal delay. These products are intended to provide maximum cover of minor cuts, abrasions, scrapes and light bleeding wounds from becoming infected, so it makes sense that such products should be kept as sterile as possible right up to the point of use.

Similarly such items should be disposed of and/or changed after a period of time. In the case of bleeding wounds, dressings should be changed as soon as blood can be seen through the plaster. You will quite often find guidance on when to change a wound cover, on the packaging. It is important not to ignore the maximum recommended wear time of any such product. Redressing the wound when conditions require it is important to maintaining good health and will aid recovery.

Why are blue plasters used in a kitchen?

Blue coloured plasters are commonly used in professional kitchens. Sometimes referred to as catering plasters, the blue colour ensures the item is highly visible at all times. This is particularly useful if the dressing should, for any reason, wind up in the food being prepared.

Our premium Blue Catering Plasters are brightly coloured and also include a metal detectable strip, so they can be easily picked up by a metal detector, should they fall into food products. These low-allergy latex-free varieties offer an exceptionally strong resistance to water and other liquids - including those commonly used during cleaning processes, in the food industry.

The Food Safety Act 1990 provides the framework for all food legislation in England, Wales and Scotland.

The main responsibilities for all food businesses covered by the Act are to ensure that:

  • businesses do not include anything in food, remove anything from food or treat food in any way which means it would be damaging to the health of people eating it

Food Standards Agency
Food.gov.uk

Is there VAT on plasters?

Value Added Tax (or VAT) is a tax paid by consumers and, unless otherwise stated, is considered to be included in the price of applicable goods and services.

The standard VAT rate in the UK is 20% however there are many scenarios where a reduced or even zero rate is applied. There are also instances where VAT is not applicable - such as basic food items.

There exists tax reliefs for some products and some demographics - such as those who are considered disabled. More information on this is available directly from HMRC.

Under most conditions plasters do not qualify for VAT exemption or reduced rates. This includes instances where the intended consumer is considered disabled - for this to qualify the item must be a recognised medical appliance (such as a pacemaker, leg brace or artificial limb).

If you supply plasters in connection with welfare services - and provided those services meet the strict criteria - plaster may be exempt from VAT. More information is available from GOV.UK

FAQ

Do plasters protect moles from the sun?

If you have a mole, or perhaps more than one, you will already be well aware that it is important to pay close attention to their appearance. Most moles are harmless but, like any part of the body, are susceptible to damage in the right environment. With skin and moles in particular, that is any time spent in the sun.

In the UK, the NHS advises that moles are protected from harmful UV rays by staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, as well as regularly applying a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or above - or better yet - keeping moles covered with clothing.

Some people choose to cover moles with plasters and non-adhesive equivalents, such as EasiPlaster, depending on the location and activity - unlike regular adhesives this material will not stick to body hair, clothing or skin. Alternatively the Dependaplast Plaster Box contains a range of the most common plaster sizes, available in a washproof style for light water contact as well as heavy-weight and advanced fabrics for drier conditions.

Do plasters draw out splinters?

Whilst there is no official advice on this, there are numerous reports online of individuals finding success with this method. The most common appears to be to apply some form of vapour ointment to the area before applying a basic fabric plaster - like our Fabric Plasters.

At this point, it is important to wait a few hours, or overnight, before carefully removing and disposing of the plaster. If successful the splinter will have worked itself out of the skin and onto the surface of the plaster.

Do plasters draw out pus?

The idea that a spot, pimple, or zit, can be cured using a plaster has been gaining popularity recently - and it would seem to be for a good reason. Using a hydrocolloid plaster can significantly improve the appearance of spots. But what is a hydrocolloid and how does a plaster help spots?

HYDROCOLLOID PLASTERS

Reduce Inflammation
Draw out excess fluids safely to minimise risk of infection
Offer a waterproof, protective barrier against bacteria and dirt
Gentle on skin to aid removal without paint
Create a moist environment to promote cell growth

Products like our Advanced 1,2,3 Blister Plasters include a layer of something called hydrocolloids. This is the must-have ingredient. A hydrocolloid dressing presents a number of important benefits including;

  1. Reducing inflammation
  2. Drawing out excess fluids including pus
  3. Providing a protective, and waterproof barrier against the outside world
  4. Being gentle on skin by not adhering to the skin - this makes removal less painful too
  5. Offering a moist environment to encourage cell growth and improve recovery time

Hydrocolloid plasters are usually intended for burn and blister type wounds. In these scenarios the body produces volumes of fluid between the skin layers. Hydrocolloid plasters help to safely drain the wound site whilst promoting healing - the very same process that is required to safely reduce the appearance of pimples, spots and zits in a short amount of time.

Do plasters help blisters?

The short answer here is yes, definitely. In the UK, the NHS recommends the use of a soft plaster or padded dressing to aid the healing of blisters.

For most people, blisters appear in places where friction is high, such as the ankles or heel from rubbing against footwear - in this case applying a suitable plaster can help to stop shoes rubbing. The majority of the time a blister is uncomfortable but will heal on its own. While it is perfectly fine to use a product like our Multisoft Plasters you may wish to opt for a hydrocolloid plaster, to help speed up the healing process.

Product Assorted Sizes Water-Resistant Hydrocolloid Layer Individually Wrapped
Multisoft Plasters
Advance 1,2,3 Blister Plasters

Our Advanced 1,2,3 Blister Plasters are supplied as a pack of 5, in two sizes. These easy to apply products are repellent to moisture, dirt and bacteria as well as helping to prevent further rubbing and promote the natural healing process.

At Seton, our aim is to supply premium quality products, at a great price, with fast delivery. Help protect the health of your team today, and ensure plasters are added to every first aid box throughout your premises.