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.
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.
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.
Next, we will discuss the patient applications for medical tape and how to decide which style to choose.
Most tapes will stick to animal fur, which is less than ideal for dogs, horses, pegs, etc. However, there are some tapes that 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 you would wrap it around itself to achieve an adhesion.
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, ant-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 options for those with oily skin.
A third option is kind removal 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.
Medical Tapes 5 Tips to Maximize Adhesion by 3M™ (3:58 Minutes)
Medical Tapes Removal Techniques by 3M™ (3:00 Minutes)
Video Transcription
Proper tape removal is critical in reducing the occurrence of traumatic skin injuries such as skin stripping. Removing tape at an angle increases tension on the epidermis resulting on additional risk of mechanical trauma. Instead of picking at the tape with your finger, you may want to start on the edge of the tape by pressing a small piece of tape on to the corner, press down, lift up slightly to start that edge. Stabilize the skin with one finger and remove the tape low and slow back over itself in the direction of hair growth. As the tape is removed continue to support the newly exposed skin. Supporting the skin close to the peel edge is particularly important for thin or easily distanceable skin. For tape that is strongly adhered to skin or hair consider using a medical grade adhesive remover or moisturizer to soften the adhesive. 3M tape adhesives are not readily dissolved in alcohol. Hair tends to grow medial to lateral, sometimes downward. In some situations, another technique that might work better for you is to catch the upper edge, pull it back forming a triangle. While supporting the skin apply a small amount of moisturizer on the leading edge of the tape. This is often enough to soften the adhesive and release it from the hair. Continue to remove the tape low and slow while gliding the lotion along the edge. If you wish to re-tape over the same area, either remove the moisturizer or adhesive remover or use the moisturizer that allows you to tape over it. Some creams that allow you re-tape may actually increase the adhesion of some tapes. It is important to use good techniques for subsequent tape removal. You may wish to protect areas that will be exposed repeated taping with an alcohol free barrier film such as Cavalon No Sting Barrier Film. Removing the tape will also remove the barrier film so the film should be reapplied and allow it to dry between tapings.
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