The trick to making Band-Aids stick is tincture of benzoin — a liquid you swab onto the skin before you put the bandage on. It’s what doctors use when they apply butterfly bandages or Steri-Strips, and it works just as well for everyday cuts and scrapes.
I learned this the way I learned most good things aboard: from a more experienced cruiser at a dock party. I was asking around for a solution, and the woman standing behind me overheard my question. She was an anesthesiologist. She explained that hospitals always swab the skin with tincture of benzoin before using any adhesive closure. She even had a spare bottle and gave it to us on the spot. I don’t remember her name, but her boat was Long Tall Sally, and I’ve been grateful to her ever since.
Important: Tincture of benzoin (also called compound tincture of benzoin) is NOT the same thing as Betadine, tincture of iodine, or other antiseptics. Make sure you’re getting the right thing.
How to Use Tincture of Benzoin
It could not be simpler.
- Dip a Q-Tip into the bottle (or use the swab that comes with it).
- Wipe it on the skin around the wound — not on the wound itself.
- Wait just a few seconds for it to get tacky. About as long as it takes to open the Band-Aid wrapper.
- Apply the bandage.
One tip that will save you a headache: before you put the cap back on, wipe the bottle threads clean. If you leave any liquid on the threads, the cap will bond to the bottle just as effectively as the Band-Aid to your skin. I’ve had to use pliers to get it open when I forgot this step. A tiny smear of Vaseline on the threads prevents it entirely.
A bottle lasts for years. We used the original bottle Long Tall Sally gave us for 7 years before replacing it.
Bottle or Swabs?
You can buy tincture of benzoin in two forms.
Bottles are the more economical choice for everyday use aboard. A 4 oz. screw-top bottle will last a long time and is easy to use with a Q-Tip.
Individual swab sticks in foil pouches cost more per use but are convenient for hikes or day trips ashore when you don’t want to deal with a bottle. Even in foil, store them in a Ziploc bag — they can dry out.
Tincture of benzoin is also sold as a spray, but I’ve never tried it — I’d worry about the nozzle clogging.
One More Tip: Use Flexible Fabric Bandages
Tincture of benzoin makes both types of bandage stick better, but the flexible fabric kind (the cloth ones) outperform the plastic-y ones regardless. If you’re stocking a first aid kit, go with flexible fabric and you’ll get the best results from both.
Why This Matters Even More on a Boat
On land, a bandage that falls off is an annoyance. On a boat, it’s a real problem.
Living aboard means wet hands almost constantly — washing dishes without a dishwasher, swimming off the back of the boat, working in rain or spray. Add in the grime from engine work, the rough surfaces in the bilge, and the fact that cuts happen most often on knuckles and fingertips where nothing wants to stay put, and you start to understand why boaters care about this more than most people do.
When you’re anchored out, there’s no pharmacy down the street. Whatever is in your kit is what you have. Tincture of benzoin belongs in every boat first aid kit — along with good organization so you can actually find it when you need it. If you want to get your onboard first aid supplies sorted, How To Organize First Aid Supplies on a Boat is a good place to start.
Where to Find Tincture of Benzoin
Many U.S. pharmacies carry it, but you usually have to ask — it’s not always on the shelf. In our small rural town, 2 out of 4 pharmacies stock it. We could never find it in Mexico or Central America, so if you’re planning to cruise south, stock up before you go.
The Amazon links above are the most reliable source if you can’t find it locally.
Getting the Band-Aid Off
Tincture of benzoin makes Band-Aids stick significantly better — but it’s not permanent. Getting the bandage off when you need to is still easy. Think of it as extra grip, not medical-grade 5200.
Here’s hoping you won’t need it often. But when you do, at least you’ll know it’s going to stay on.
Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Jan says
We add some Johnson & Johnson Waterproof First Aid Tape over our bandaid to keep it in place. It works great (has to be the waterproof version though) but we’ll try the tincture of benzoin! Thanks for the tip! Cheers! Jan
Waterwoman says
Thanks for the tip Carolyn, I will look for it at my local drugstores.
Diane Dashevsky says
You can also use a small piece of “Vet Wrap”. Just wrap it around a small piece of gauze pad or right over a bandaid…it sticks to itself as it is stretched…stays on in water…ALL of my medicine cabinets have a roll both at home and on the boat. You can get your Vet to get you a larger roll or purchase it in a pet specialty store. 3M makes the ones the Vet uses and Brampton makes the smaller rolls you can get in retail stores. Comes in a variety of colors and prints.
Andrea Dollins on Facebook says
Great info!!..never even heard of this stuff..will be getting some!..thanks!!
The Boat Galley on Facebook says
Almost no one has . . . and it’s one of the most useful things ANYWHERE — including a boat!
Patrick House says
I found out by experience that tincture of benzoin also is an excellent cure for a certain type of foot fungus that defies the usual treatments. While not classic athletes foot, it is odiferous. Seems it cuts off the air the aerobic bacteria need to thrive. Just coating the bottom of the foot and/or between the toes for about a week does the trick. After treating my feet this way, I haven’t had it come back for years.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Interesting . . . I knew it was also used for bed sores, too.
-Carolyn
Relinda Ted Broom on Facebook says
just got a box of the swabs off Amazon (along with several other first aid supplies) the stuff is also good for covering cancer sores ect. Learned about it years ago hanging out in E.R.s..
Ted says
Thats canker sores, not cancer sores..
Carolyn Shearlock says
😉
Diane Dashevsky says
PS to the Vet Wrap: If you are unlucky enough to get one of those OMG injuries (ie a line or sheet ripping off a big chunk of skin from your finger), the most recent medical advise is to use an antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin), cover it and KEEP IT MOIST. The moisture helps the healing and skin regeneration process. When this happened to me, I put Neosporin on the injury, covered it with a small gauze pad, then held it in place with a small piece of Pet Wrap (same as VetWrap) The Pet Wrap held the bandage on – keeping it clean – but allowed moisture in – since it is not waterproof. Finger healed well and I didn’t need a dr or hospital visit! If your injury is severe enough to require medical attention, this is a good way to “self treat” until you can get to medical services.
Kimberly says
Do you cut a piece of VetWrap and place it over the bandage or wrap the Vet Wrap all around the hand or finger? Thanks.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Vet Wrap (also known as Cohesive Wrap — see it on Amazon) won’t stick to skin (or fur of an animal). You have to put the bandage on and then wrap the Vet Wrap around the hand, finger, leg or whatever. I generally use two wraps.
Jim Cooke says
The tape works with varying degrees of suitability, depending on the area of the body, in my experience. The benzoin just works! Great post, and I am also a paid anesthesiologist!
The wrap is also known as Co-Ban.
Linda Miller says
I could have used this last week on the boat. Thank you!
Dan Thomas says
We use this in the EMS field to keep cardiac electrodes on sweaty / clammy skin. Keeping those electrodes on can be the difference between life and death. So yes it works. You can also wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to dry it. Also don’t buy cheap bandaids, they just don’t stick as well due to less sticky glue used.
macaire says
It is best if you let the benzoin air dry until it is tacky to the touch then apply your bandage. The “vet wrap” for humans is called Coban. Coban is a self adherent, waterproof roll sold in most drug stores.
Carolyn Shearlock says
By the time I get the Band-Aid out of it’s wrapper, the benzoin has dried to the tacky point. I’ve just recently seen Coban in pharmacies, and at least in mine, it’s right by the other bandages.
Merrie Bergmann says
Great information — thank you!
Brenda Daum says
Sheryl if you or anyone needs or wants pharmacy/staying healthy aboard/tropic mosquito born disease prevention questions answered I humbly am happy to assist in any way I legally can! I’m more than happy to help a friend and sailor!
Carolyn Shearlock says
Thanks for sharing!
Craig Stewart says
great tip…thanks
Craig Stewart says
I work on the J&J Band-Aid business as one of my clients 🙂
Elisabeth Irish Stephenson says
buy COBAN
Carolyn Shearlock says
A reader sent me an email with the following:
Hi Carolyn, I just read your article on “Keeping Band-Aids on” and I can’t wait to try some of this Benzoin Tincture for myself. I’ve got a suggestion about the sticky cap problem. I’m a contractor and have worked with a lot of cans of glue. After years of storage, I can open a used can of glue with two fingers and still find the glue liquid. After opening a new can of glue, I apply a little plumber’s grease (Vaseline) on the threads of the can. This prevents the glue from sticking to the metal and seals the can at the same time. As for the Benzoin stuff, I think Vaseline or some greasy antiseptic ointment would do the same to prevent seizure of the cap.
Michael Moen says
Surgeons have been using Benzoin for years. My favorite application was after a Cesarean when I’d close the skin with sub-cuticular nylon, apply Benzoin and steri-strips, and tie the ends of the nylon together in a loop. After a couple days, if the wound looked ok, I’d snip the nylon near the skin and pull it out one side. The natural cutaneous nerve fiber injury made the incision numb already, and patients were amazed that I was correct, “This won’t hurt a bit.”
TT says
When In Mexico, ask for “Tintura de Benjui”. Its the same thing.
Susan Parker says
Once you purchase Benzoin, try a small dab on your skin. My husband had a severe allergic reaction and ended up at the dermatologist.
Alex says
I agree! Better to find out early on healthy skin than later on an already injured area. I did not know what it was, but this is probably it, my husband had a terrible reaction to a bandage of steri-strips and the clear second skin layer, that had been put on with “glue”. Mystery solved now, I did not know what it was, and this had to be it. It was terrible itchy red and swollen and we had to get it off the next day and lots of hydrocortisone. Plus finding another way to cover his incision with it inflamed. I will get some for myself and company though. But definitely test first.
Erica says
Can someone tell me how it works? Is it super sticky? Is it also an antiseptic?
Thanks
Carolyn Shearlock says
It’s stickier than your skin and provides a sweat-free place for the tape to adhere to. Even though it’s “sticky” it doesn’t pick up dirt. Here’s more info on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture_of_benzoin
Love Sail Social Network And Online Dating says
Great tip, going to try this.
catherine cornish says
Good timing. My husband had a catfish barb stuck in his palm. 1 tetanus shot, 3 shots antibiotics, oral antibiotics for 10 days and topical antibiotic on the wound (which needs a band aid) 10 days we have tried to keep the wound covered. Even the super strong flexible durable strength bandaids won’t stay on completely. He goes around with it flapping over the wound. Top tip for catfish barbs…..soak wound in warm fresh water (add betadine if u have it) for 90 mins. Hotter the better to draw out toxins. Gives relief to the injured one. Works for sea urchins too.
Carolyn Shearlock says
OUCH!
Claudia Smyth Gilpin says
Thank you for this wonderful article & solution. Both on boRd & ashore!
Lucie Gagne says
Thanks!
Kenneth Arnold says
“Water Block Plus” (brand name) band aids!! they stay ON!! 🙂
Cyndy Carter says
if you can find it *Compound* tinc of benzoin works better. Just don’t get it on the cut, burn, blister. It burns like fire and when you take the bandaid off it rips the cut back open. Another great use is to put it on a blister. Forms a callous that lasts for years. (lessons learned in the Army) If you can stand the pain, you can put it on a blister that has already popped. I also put it on intact skin once a day for several days *before* I know I am going to do something that will cause a blister. I did this on my feet to get them toughened up before a 14 mile hike in new boots when I had no time to break in the boots – not a single blister. In the Army when I was young and tough, we would use a syringe to empty out a blister and then inject benzoin into the blister. We called it “hell-fire” and I saw grown men cry but it worked. Next day, no more blister. Another thing to use it for is to hold Steri-strips on when you use them instead of stitches.
Beverly Severinghaus says
Right on target Cyndy!
Susan Parker says
My husband’s glasses kept sliding down his nose so I thought we’d give this stuff a try. As it turned out, he is is allergic and ended up at the dermatologist’s office. So, I suggest you try this on a very small area to see if you have reaction.
Lee Durrell says
So, will this stuff work all day long to keep a band aid on someone who has problems with excessive sweating? (Embarrassing, but I still need to use band aids without them sliding off!)
Carolyn Shearlock says
I’d think so. I sweat a lot, swim and more and they stay on.
Lee Durrell says
Awesome… I think I’m going to buy some and give it a shot. It seems like it would be a whole lot easier for me to do that than the whole gauze, roll, and tape routine…
Joyce Neifeld says
Hey Desiree Lerro ever heard of this ?
Chrystal Lakeway Henthorne says
I ordered from Amazon….thanks this is timely information with all the winterizing we are doing to 2 boats.
Alexandra Bentley says
Epoxy or 5200 are the duct tape of the sea. Lol
Anne Ellingsen says
Going to give it a whirl
Linda L Finney-Blazsek says
Going to get some and put in our first aid kit on our sailboat and in our home too!
Frances Liz Fernandez says
This was helpful.
Sheila Seward Gilstrap says
Getting some to put in my kayak hatch!
Lucie Gagne says
While I was home in Canada I checked every pharmacy ( drug store) and no one had heard of it…I will check Amazon.
Mary Camryka says
Thanks for sharing
Lisa says
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I have been struggling for years trying to keep band aids on. I have been dealing with “boils” and it is NOT fun. I have tried waterproof band aids for my underarms to no avail. Even when I have gone to the Doctors about my situation….they have no idea what I could try to keep the band aids on?!?!?! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! I had to go to Amazon to purchase. I did a test to make sure I wasn’t allergic and no problems. I used for the first time yesterday. The band aids were much more secured and held all day until I put fresh ones on. I also had no problems with the band aids coming off. I am so happy and now perhaps I will get some relief because the band aids are secured and doing their job. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I will let other’s know and I will now keep this in my first aid kit. Have a Great Day!!! Happy Sailing!!!!
Amy says
How long is this supposed to help the band aid stay on?
Carolyn Shearlock says
I’ve had a Band-Aid stay on up to a week with it — usually I’m changing it anyway before then, but a few times I’ve gone that long.
Take to the sea says
So are you suggesting that it’s not good practice to just wrap the band-aid with several layers of electrical tape?
The Boat Galley says
No, duct tape works better. 🙂
Susan Lynn says
Carolyn, You come up with the most useful info. Thank You so much. (And hello to our little Paz.)
Sussie says
Model building trick used to use back in the day . . . if you add baking soda to super glue it has an immediate chemical reaction and hardens. I use it often on the tips of my fingers where they crack. Can smooth the edge with a file and cover so I don’t catch the edge. Cant recall the scientific name but super glue os also an antistetic; i pick up multiple tubes at the dollar store. Next time at pharmacy definitely adding your TofB to my list! Thanks for sharing!
Meri Virtanen Faulkner says
We just bought some Nexcare waterproof bandages (a 3M product) and we’re shocked how well they stay on – even in the tropics. I wish I had read your post years ago about the benzoin tincture.
Glenda Neild says
Most surgical nurses would know this. It is used for exactly that reason, helps stick the bandaid style plasters on.
Frances Liz Fernandez says
I keep forgetting to get that stuff!
Christine Dumaine Springfield says
As a paramedic we did not carry this on the truck due to the likelihood of allergic responses. To make sure electrodes stuck on a bad heart patient I would use deodorant in a pinch. Wipe or spray it on and then wipe to “dry” the area. Then add the sticky stuff. Worked on the truck. I’m not allergic to benzoin and do keep it on the boat though.
Christine Dumaine Springfield says
Coband is awesome. Brand name stuff is much better than generic.
The Boat Galley says
Thanks for the info. I’ve heard of a few people being allergic, but didn’t realize that it was very widespread. So I guess “test it” is the way to go!
David Lake says
duct tape!!!!!
David Lake says
or electrical tape
Nicolas Simon says
Susan Shaw Simon
Dave Skolnick says
Heat shrink. <- this is a joke. Don't do it.
Gwendolyn says
Thank you, Carolyn! DH (dear husband) has the hardest time keeping on a band aid. I buy the most water proof style I can find and will add T of B to the list 🙂
Dave Skolnick (S/V Auspicious) says
For the more hirsute among us, a disposable razor in your first aid kit will make getting any adhesive bandage back off less of an adventure.
Gayle A Pinske says
I have learned soooo much in the last 15 minutes. The tincture of benzoate is definitely on my next Amazon order or pharmacy trip. Would this work with the Coban (et al) when wrapping joint injuries? Even the wider vet-sized wrap seems to roll or slip.
And Thanks Y’all for the tips.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Great! And yes, you can use it with the wraps.
Lars Jone Larsen. says
Just fantastic…! I can’t wait to try it out…! I dont know how many bad words have come out of my mouth because of this particular issue,but they would surely be enough to write a fat swear dictionary with.And then some. But joy and glee…! After reading your post,I feel absolutely certain that this is what will do what I have been longing to experience and see for myself for a very,very long time…!
Stephanie Mason says
Great information – will be stocking on the boat!