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Medical Adhesive Tape | Surgical Tape
When choosing a medical tape, there are a lot of factors that come into play. Below are some things to consider to help you make an informed choice so that you can get the right outcome for your needs.
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Do you have allergies to Medical Tapes or Adhesives?
This is important to note. There are a number of different allergens that one might be exposed to while using tape. Latex, the tape itself, and the adhesive.
- Latex-Free: latex is one of the easiest tape allergies to avoid as many tapes are latex-free. For example, Dynarex features a latex-free elastic bandage, paper tape, and cloth tape. Andover features a latex-free cohesive wrap and all 3M medical tapes are latex-free.
- Allergies to the tape: this means that you are allergic to something in the material of the tape. To avoid this type of allergy, many manufacturers make tapes that are hypoallergenic. All 3M tapes are hypoallergenic and Medtronic (formerly known as Covidien) makes several brands of hypoallergenic tape as well such as the Curity, Microfoam, and Tenderskin.
- Allergies to adhesives: this means that you have an allergy to the adhesives on the tape instead of the tape itself. 3M Makes a silicone-based adhesive that is hypoallergenic as well. This adhesive is featured on the Kind Removal Tape.
Next, we will discuss the patient applications for medical tape and how to decide which style to choose.
- Securing a Secondary Dressing: the most common use of medical tape is to secure a secondary dressing. Choose a tape with a strong enough adhesion to properly secure the dressing, but nothing too strong for the skin's sensitivity level.
- High Exudate Wound: if you have a wound with high exudate (a bunch of stuff coming out) make sure you select a tape with some absorption properties. Foam tapes are mildly absorbent. Some transparent dressings (such as Tegederm Plus) also feature some absorption and act as a wound barrier as well.
- While Swimming and Showering: choose a waterproof tape for swimming and showering. Waterproof tape comes in a variety of different styles, such as zinc oxide, clear tape, and elastic tape.
- Surgical: several medical tapes are classified as surgical tapes. They come in paper, cloth clear, and foam tape styles. Some popular surgical tapes are:
- Durapore Surgical Tape
- Medipore Surgical Tape
- Microfoam
- Micropore
- Dynarex Paper Tape
- Dynarex Clear Tape
- Caring Paper Tape
- Sports: sports tapes come in a few styles -- wrap, kinesiology tape, and padding tape.
- Wraps are designed to apply light compression to a given area. Wrapping can reduce swelling and pain associated with injuries.
- Kinesiology is a branch of sports medicine that requires the taping of muscle groups in a particular fashion. Kinesiology tape is ideal for physical therapy applications as well as preventing muscle fatigue in athletes.
- Padding tape is an adhesive tape that is designed as a second layer of skin to protect from injuries. Use in areas that are prone to injury.
Most tapes will stick to animal fur, which is less than ideal for dogs, horses, pegs, etc. However, some tapes excel in this area. Non-adhesive tapes also referred to as Cohesive wraps, do not stick to fur, arm hair, or skin. Cohesive wraps only stick to themselves, so they adhere as it wraps.
For skin that is prone to breakdown, you want to find a tape that is breathable and gentle on the skin. Tegaderm is a breathable transparent dressing that is ideal for visibility as well as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral barrier. Tegaderm should be used on dry skin.
Paper tape is another option that is gentle for very sensitive skin. It can be used on moist skin, so it may be a better option for those with oily skin.
A third option is kind removal of silicone tape. Kind removal tape is formulated for skin that is prone to tears, so it has a very gentle adhesive. Kind Removal tape will only adhere to clean, dry skin.
Product Videos
Medical Tapes 5 Tips to Maximize Adhesion by 3M™ (3:58 Minutes)
Medical Tapes Removal Techniques by 3M™ (3:00 Minutes)
low it to dry between tapings.
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