The History of Band-Aid: From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon

1920: Earle Dickson, a cotton buyer for Johnson & Johnson, creates a simple dressing to help his wife bandage her frequent cuts and burns. He attaches a small piece of gauze to a strip of adhesive tape, and the Band-Aid is born.

1921: Johnson & Johnson begins selling Band-Aids to consumers. The product is an immediate success, and by the end of the year, over 3 million boxes have been sold.

1924: Band-Aids are introduced to Europe, and they quickly become popular there as well.

1930: Johnson & Johnson introduces the first waterproof Band-Aid.

1942: During World War II, Band-Aids are used extensively by the military. They are also used by civilians to treat wounds caused by air raids.

1950: Band-Aids are introduced in Japan.

1960: Johnson & Johnson introduces the first Band-Aid with an antibiotic ointment.

1970: Band-Aids are introduced in China.

1980: Johnson & Johnson introduces the first Band-Aid with a pain reliever.

1990: Band-Aids are introduced in Russia.

2000: Johnson & Johnson introduces the first Band-Aid with a sunscreen.

2010: Band-Aids are introduced in India.

2020: Band-Aids are sold in over 100 countries around the world. They are the most popular adhesive bandages on the market, and they have helped to treat millions of injuries over the years.

Today, Band-Aids are used by people of all ages, for a variety of purposes. They are an essential part of any first aid kit, and they are a convenient way to treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.