Bandages can be used to hold dressings in place, to relieve pain, and generally to make the patient comfortable. The purposes served by bandages include protecting wounds; promoting healing; and providing, retaining, or removing moisture. 

The adhesive bandage protects the wound and scab from friction, bacteria, damage, and dirt. Thus, the healing process of the body is less disturbed. An additional function is to hold the two cut ends of the skin together to make the healing process faster.