February 18, 2026

Band-Aids

Imagine it’s 1924.

You’re a nurse.

You see a Band-Aid for the first time.

You think:

“This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Why would you think that?

Because in 1924, adhesive tape and sterilized gauze had already been in regular use by medical professionals for 75 years.

Band-Aids didn’t do anything that adhesive tape and gauze pads couldn’t already do.

In fact, tape and gauze allowed for much more creative bandages than a measly little Band-Aid.

On top of it, Band-Aids were more expensive.

And yet...

Over 100 years later, Band-Aids are a staple in the first aid aisle of every pharmacy in the Western world.

Why is this?

Because Band-Aids solve the “I don’t want this cut to get infected” problem in a way that is meaningfully different to a particular segment of the population.

Broadly speaking, Band-Aids are for retail buyers; adhesive tape and gauze are for institutional buyers.

A retail buyer doesn’t want to carry around a clunky roll of medical tape, a big wad of gauze, and a sharp pair of scissors in their purse, backpack, or gym bag.

They just need a small box of assorted Band-Aids.

Something you can quickly, easily, and safely apply to yourself or a loved one.

Preferably in fun colors or with Paw Patrol characters printed on them.

Here’s the thing...

Does a Band-Aid protect a cut from infection any better than a taped-on gauze pad?

No.

But it does do a few other things much better.

And those other things matter enough to certain buyers to justify a premium price.

Yours,

—J

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