Medical Tapes

Everything You Should Know About Medical Tapes

We have all sprained an ankle or wrist, but do we know how to properly use medical tape to help the healing process? Medical tape uses can be varied and depending on the injury or location the techniques used can also vary. Common types of medical tape can include kinesiology tape, rigid strapping tape, elastic adhesive bandages, and hand tearable stretched tape among others. So how do you choose medical tape and apply it properly? We here at Health Products for You can give you skinny on medical tapes and their proper usage.

How to choose the right Medical Tape?

You may think medical tape is all the same, but you would be remarkably mistaken. The saying “the right tool for the right job” definitely can be applied for choosing the appropriate medical tape. To determine which medical tape is appropriate for your needs, first ask yourself a couple of simple questions. First, do you have any allergies or maybe sensitive skin? Secondly, where on your body do you need to use the tape? Some issues for your consideration include:

Sensitive Skin

Adhesive strength and breathability can contribute to the irritation of sensitive skin.

Allergies

If you suspect you may have allergies, try to determine if it’s the tape itself, adhesive, or even latex. If after trying other tapes you still experience reactions, try a hypoallergenic tape.

Application

Your selection of medical tape is directly affected by where you may be using it. For instance, a particularly hairy site might benefit from a tape that adheres to itself instead of skin.

Your doctor or physical therapist can help you determine which type of medical tape would be right or appropriate for your specific need.

How to apply Medical Tape properly?

Once you have determined the appropriate medical tape for your need, medical taping techniques can go a long way in determining the efficacy of that tape and the effectiveness of its support. As with any medical or first aid device, a few simple steps can help you apply your medical tape properly and these include:

1. Dry, Clean Surface: Any adhesive or tape benefits from being adhered to a surface that is dry and clean, so be sure to clean the skin of the application site.
2. Skin Preparation: When preparing your skin for tape application, you should try using a skin prep wipe to properly prepare your skin for your medical tape.
3. No Stretching: Medical tape is designed to be applied without stretching or tension. Stretching medical tape during the application can cause skin issues.
4. No Skimping: You should always be sure to use enough tape. A good rule of thumb is to extend your tape ½ inch beyond the dressing.

As important as the proper application is the removal of medical tape is just as important (especially if you don’t want to remove skin). This is doubly important if you have sensitive skin since an injury can occur to your skin during removal. Follow these simple steps for easy medical tape removal:

• Loosen edges first
• Stabilize or tighten skin next to adhesive tape with your finger
• Starting with the corner, pull slowly at an angle.
• If necessary, use an adhesive remover to remove any residual adhesive left over.

Top Five Medical Tapes for 2022

The question of what is medical tape used for? can be misleading. The answer is different for each individual patient. Understanding your specific needs can go a long way in helping you decide which type and size of medical tape you may need. Medical tapes come in a wide variety of styles and sizes and with just some easy answers to some simple questions, you can choose which medical tape is appropriate for you.

Where to buy Medical Adhesive Tapes online?

Health Products For You offers a wide range of medical supplies at the best prices available. HPFY is online since 2002 to cater to its vast global clientele. We, at HPFY, understand the need for affordable and quality healthcare products and therefore, we ensure that our customer-centric approach benefits our customers and that healthcare is accessible to everyone. Shop from us and get exclusive discounts on every purchase.

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.