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.
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:
Adhesive strength and breathability can contribute to irritation of sensitive skin.
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.
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.
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:
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:
3M Durapore Silk Cloth Hypoallergenic Tape is a silk-like tape with hypoallergenic adhesive. It provides high strength and adhesion for secured dressing. The excellent adhesion of 3M Durapore provides security for critical taping situations. It is perfect for securing regular and bulky dressings, tubing and immobilization. This medical tape is designed to be as gentle as possible, yet deliver the desired performance. The Durapore tape is a durable, no-stretch silk-like Cloth Tape for critical tubing applications and features a convenient bi-directional tear for easy application.
Hy-Tape is perfect for extended wear while it gently accommodates underlying tissue shifts. It saves time, reduces costs, and gives patients an unmatched level of comfort. It is designed to perform in critical situations. The gentle zinc oxide adhesive holds tight but releases gently protecting delicate skin. The Hy-Tape resists moisture, conforms to body contours, and adheres firmly to oily and hairy skin. It is washable with soap and water. It leaves little or no residue after the adhesive has been removed.
Molnlycke Mepitac Soft Silicone Tape is a secure and gentle fixation tape with Safetac technology. It proves to be an ideal solution for patients with fragile and sensitive skin. The unique Safetac adhesive interface assures that Mepitac Silicone Tape can be changed without pain or damage to the skin. Molnlycke Mepitac Tape is made of a soft silicone contact layer, a breathable polyurethane film and knitted fabric. Silicone being inert, does not interact chemically with the wound. It does not cause any effect upon the cells responsible for the healing process.
3M Medipore H Soft Cloth Surgical Tape is a conformable tape that provides stronger adhesion for a range of challenging applications. It is a non-woven polyester, designed to be as soft and gentle as possible and yet deliver the desired performance. Medipore H Tape is particularly useful for securing wound dressings, catheters, and tubing. It is conformable with an excellent cross and diagonal stretch to accommodate swelling and movement. This high adhesion surgical cloth tape is used for a range of applications. The Medipore Tape adhesion builds over time, with the first 24 hours.
Medtronic Covidien Kendall Hypoallergenic Paper Tape is excellent for repeated applications on sensitive, fragile skin. It is strong, tangle-free, and easy to tear tape for ease of use. Its natural porosity allows the skin to breathe while leaves minimal residue upon removal. This tape is breathable, gentle, and hypoallergenic.
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.
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