When you think of medical supplies, what comes to mind first? A stethoscope to hear a heartbeat. A syringe to give a needed shot. The “open wide” tongue depressor. But what about the medical tape? It might not pop to mind first, but this versatile tool is vital in the medical field.
There are wide varieties of medical adhesive tape from which to choose and many companies that convert medical adhesive tape for wound care.
Medical Adhesive Tape
Surgical or medical adhesive tape is used to attach bandages, gauze, and other dressings to the skin around your wounds. Most adhesive tapes you find today are a type of pressure-sensitive tape. Meaning these are tape that sticks and stays in place with firm pressure.
There is no need for heat activation or a solvent. Medical adhesive tapes are often made from various materials. But most of them are breathable for comfort and ease of use. You can find answers to many of your queries.
Types of Medical Adhesive Tape
In the medical field, different types of adhesive tape are used for different things. Some are made of softer materials like cotton, while others are more elastic to support flexibility.
Here we discuss some of the most common types of medical adhesive tape and how one differs from the other.
1. Micropore Paper Tape
This tape is commonly used to secure bandages and dressings to the skin without leaving a sticky residue. Note that micropore paper tape is hypoallergenic. Hence you can use it for a long time without fear of skin irritation.
Its adhesive sticks to your skin, underlying tape, or directly to dressing materials. The tape has tiny holes or micropores – hence making it breathable. This feature helps speed up healing and is easy to tear. Therefore, it is ideal for emergencies.
2. Transpore Polyethylene Tape
This translucent, hypoallergenic tape easily sticks to your skin without sticking to surgical gloves or other surgical tools. Moreover, it adheres well to wet surfaces. For patients who are bleeding, wet, or sweating – it can be used on them too.
The tape is powerful and is often used to secure tubing or dressings. Note that transpore tape is breathable but not flexible. The reason is it is made from a non-stretch film.
3. Zinc Oxide Tape
The tape is commonly used to prevent sports injuries. Your doctor will use zinc oxide tape to protect wounds, stabilize injuries, accelerate healing, and protect athletes from soft tissue damage.
As the tape is very durable, it works well in humid environments and tolerates high levels of moisture and even sweat. Made from rayon or non-stretch cotton, this tape will remain intact for hours. It will also allow athletes to bend, run, twist, and push their physical limits.
4. Waterproof Tape
The tape is specifically designed for use in water. Note that waterproof adhesive tape does have limitations.
Remember that you can only use the tape when applied to dry skin or if the tape itself is dry to start. Most waterproof tape available today is extremely flexible and mailable. They easily conform to your body and stick to curved surfaces, especially between fingers and toes, on joints.
5. Durable Cloth Tape
It is one of the most versatile and widely used types of medical adhesive tape. This cloth tape is flexible and comfortable. It easily sticks best to your skin but not directly to a cloth dressing or bandage. It does not leave a sticky residue when removed.
Moreover, it tears in any direction and is ideal for long-term use – thanks to its breathability feature. As it is durable tape, it is often used to secure splints.
Medical Adhesive Tape For Urgent Needs
Versatile, reliable, easy to tear. These are the features that sum up what most medical situations require. Most medical professionals and ambulance workers regularly use transpore polyethylene tape. The reason being it is efficient, durable, and sticks well to any surface. You can use the tape in areas covered with hair, water, or blood. The tape is also waterproof, allowing patients to keep it on in the shower or even while swimming.
Transpore tape’s breathable material often allows adequate airflow for healing. It will enable sweat and other bodily fluids to pass through it. Because it is one of the more robust varieties – there are chances it can leave residue on the skin or cause irritation to those people with sensitive skin.
Medical Adhesive Tape For Everyday Use
For not-so-high-pressure situations – micropore paper tape would be your best choice. It is gentle on your skin and leaves no sticky residue. The tape will stay in place for several days without falling off – even though it is not one of the strongest adhesive tapes.
Micropore tape is breathable, which promotes wound healing, and is easy to remove. The tape can withstand some moisture and sweat; it is not waterproof and is not as flexible or mailable as other adhesive tapes.
Medical Tape For Athletics
When it comes to medical adhesive tape that’s strong, durable, and flexible, zinc oxide tape (sports tape) is the answer. Regular medical tapes work best on flat areas of your body – the forearm, shin, and back. However, most athletic tapes are designed to conform to flexible, moving parts and stay put. This strong medical tape allows most athletes to move with ease. Athletes can use them without fear of injury or the tape falling off during mobility.
Medical Tape For Wet Environment
Waterproof adhesive tape is not just for swimmers. One of its main uses is protection against blisters and chafing skin. This tape sticks well to the skin but won’t adhere to hair, so skin surfaces must be prepared.
This adhesive tape is also incredibly flexible. You can easily conform between fingers and toes, on the palm of the hand, and under the armpit – as it flexes and moves with the body. Despite its strength, you can tear waterproof tape using your fingers. Thus making it perfect for fast-paced situations.
Things You Need to Know About Medical Tapes
As you know, a wide variety of tapes are used in the medical industry. Three of the most commonly used tapes are paper, transparent, and cloth. Other types of medical tape include waterproof tape, retention tape, and silicone tape.
The list below describes – things you should know about using medical tapes when there is a wound.
- Most medical tapes are used to secure dressings.
- Medical tapes are commonly known as surgical tapes.
- When applying the medical tape, there are a few different factors that may influence which type you choose. These may include age and integrity of your skin. The oiliness of your skin, or sensitivity to certain adhesives may also be a factor.
- Before you apply tape make sure you evaluate the application site.
- If you are using a secondary dressing, your doctor would recommend having at least 1 inch of the tape on either side of the dressing. So that it will properly adhere and would not be pulled off easily.
- Be aware – if taping over excess hair, it may not adhere well to the skin. At times it can be more difficult to remove.
- Medical tapes have a lot of different names. Paper tape is often referred to as micropore tape. In addition, transparent tape or plastic tape is referred to as transpore tape. Cloth tape is often known as durapore. Most of these are the brand names of the market leaders.
Important Points
- It is important to note that – when using adhesive tape, never place it directly over a wound.
- Paper tape is lightweight, microporous, and holds even when the area is wet. It is gentle on sensitive skin and perfect for delicate or elderly skin.
- Cloth tape is also commonly described as soft cloth or silk tape.
- Cloth tape usually has a strong adhesive. However, it is designed to leave minimal residue on your skin. It can be torn bilaterally without the use of any scissors.
- The best way to get cloth tape to stick – is to make sure you apply the medical tape without tension. All you need to do is to gently stroke the surface to maximize adherence to the area.
- Note that transparent tape is water-resistant. But it is not waterproof tape.
- Transparent tape is perforated. You can easily tear it in any direction.
- Single-use medical tape rolls are usually available in transparent, cloth, and paper versions. This is perfect for people – as it helps reduce cross-contamination and waste.
- You can use retention tape as it can securely hold wound dressings.
- Retention tape is usually pre-cut to reduce excess waste.
- Some retention tape brands often feature a printed S-Curve release liner. The liner helps for easy application.
- You can use waterproof tape as it is flexible and easy to tear.
- Remember that you should always apply waterproof tape to dry skin in order to adhere well.
Conclusion
Adhesive tape is specifically designed to be used directly on your skin to hold wound bandages or other first aid or medical appliances in place. Remember that medical tape needs to be skin safe, easy to use, and strong enough to work well when skin is bending, moving, or damp. There are many styles of medical tape that your doctor may use in a variety of situations. No matter what you choose to carry, the most vital thing is to be prepared – which is why you always need medical tape in your first aid kit.
