Apply the bandage firmly, but not tightly, and secure the end by folding it over and tying a knot in the end. You can also use a safety pin, tape, or a bandage clip. as soon as the bandage is on, ask if it feels too tight and checks the circulation by pressing on a fingernail or a piece of skin until it turns pale. Though most bandages technically do not have a listed expiry date, they can lose their adhesiveness, absorption, and sterility over time. When asking how long bandages last, the average is roughly 3 to 5 years depending on the bandage and the environment it is stored in. It's often said that cuts heal better when they're exposed to air than under an adhesive bandage.