Item Brochure

26
Reducing the Risk of Superficial Skin
Damage Related to Adhesive Use
Superficial skin damage can occur when adhesive products are used. Skin stripping
and tension blisters are the most common problems associated with taping. Many of
these injuries may be prevented by correct use including careful attention to skin
preparation, choice of tape, and proper application and removal of tape. Less common
types of skin damage are irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis,
folliculitis and maceration. A small percentage of individuals may experience
hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation of the skin following the removal of an
adhesive product. Similar problems may occur with skin closure strips.
Problem Cause To reduce the risk of injury
The most common causes
of tension injury are
inappropriate strapping of
tape during application and
distention of skin under an
unyielding tape.
Strapping tape across skin is
mistakenly thought to
increase adhesion. As the
tape backing resists stretch or
regains its original shape, the
epidermis begins to lift. This
results in “tension blisters”
typically seen at ends of the
tape. Skin tears may occur
before a blister even forms.
Tension injuries may also
occur when edema,
hematoma formation, or
distention distorts the skin
surface or when a joint or
other area of movement
is covered with an
unyielding tape.
• Apply tape without tension
• Identify patients at high-risk:
fragile skin, medical conditions
(e.g., long-term corticosteroid
use, malnutrition) or surgical
procedures where edema or
distention is expected
(abdominal, orthopedic)
• Protect skin with 3M
™
Cavilon
™
No Sting Barrier Film
• If swelling or movement is
expected, use a tape that
stretches. Apply tape so
direction of stretch corresponds
with direction of swelling
• If desired, compression may
be obtained by carefully
stretching tape over a dressing
while securing the tape to the
skin without tension (Refer to
page 20)
• If distention or edema is
noted, loosen, reposition,
or replace tape
Mechanical
Injury Due To
Tension
A partial thickness injury
occurring when adhesive
bond between tape and skin
is greater than the bond
between epidermis and
dermis. As tape is removed,
the epidermis remains
attached to the adhesive,
resulting in epidermal damage
or a painful area of exposed
dermis. Degree of stripping
varies with skin condition,
adhesive characteristics, and
frequency of taping.
• Use gentle, hypoallergenic tape
• Match strength of adhesive
to clinical needs and skin
condition
• Apply tape to clean, dry skin
• For high-risk patients, avoid
using skin tackifiers under tape
• Protect skin with 3M
™
Cavilon
™
No Sting Barrier Film, allowing
it to dry before taping
• If repeated taping is anticipated,
consider applying tape over a
platform
• Use proper removal technique
Stripping