Compression bandages are a common sight in most home first aid kids and medicine cabinets, used to apply pressure to a specific area or injury. They help minimize swelling by keeping fluids from gathering at the injury site by applying gentle, non-restrictive pressure to the area. 

Compression wraps and bandages are commonly used for muscle sprains and strains, most often on the wrist, ankles and knees, as well as swollen limbs or areas of bruising where blood collection under the skin should be minimized. 

Alternatively, many people use compression bandages for light compression of wound dressings, however they should not be used on draining wounds where absorption of a wound dressing might be impeded.