An impregnated bandage having a backing strip with an adhesive coating on one side. A layer of or patch of absorbent material positioned in the approximate center from the ends of the backing strip. An impregnated layer of gauze adapted to contact the wound positioned above the absorbent layer. The impregnated bandage includes protective strips for protecting the adhesive surfaces until immediately prior to use and for separating the impregnated layer and the absorbent material. The protective strips are removed by a pulling movement applied to the ends of the protective strip prior to use of the bandage.