This article is about the adhesive bandage. For the musical ensemble "Band Aid", see Band Aid (band).
Band-Aid is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson for their adhesive bandages used to cover small wounds. However, much of the consuming public in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Australia uses the term band-aid generically, to refer to any such adhesive bandages (see genericized trademark). Such bandages are better known in many parts of the world as an 'adhesive plaster', 'sticking plaster' or simply 'plaster'.
The phrase "Band-aid" has also entered colloquial usage as a term for any temporary fix. (e.g. "Band-aid solutions were used to fix the leak.")

Today
Bandages that absorb a wound's fluids and maintain a natural moisture balance are ideal for healing.
Keeping a wound covered until it heals can prevent a scab from forming, thereby minimizing chances of scarring.
Bandages help prevent exposure to water, dirt and pathogens.
The Band-Aid brand competes with others such as 3M's Nexcare brand.