What Is Tape Made Out Of - Types Of Medical Tape

For people that have just accidentally received a wound or cut, the medical tape is something that will efficiently secure a bandage in place from moving around or falling off. For the medical tape to be ideal for human use, it needs to be safe to use on the skin, simple to put on, and flexible enough to not just fall off when you're moving around and going about your day. There are many different types of medical tape that serve different purposes better than others. Some types of medical tape will work better when you're exposed to damp environments or moving around, so it's important to choose wisely when you're in need of it.

Types Of Medical Tape

People might ask, what is a tape made out of? This question seems to depend on the manufacturer and the purpose of the tape.

Paper Medical Tape- This tape is made out of micropore paper, making it a lightweight and breathable tape that is known to be sensitive to the skin. It provides good adhesion and works well with bandages that are changed often. It can also be used on skin that is known to be at risk, making it a wise choice for those that are concerned about their skin.

Zinc-Oxide Medical Tape - Hy-Tape is a medical tape that has an adhesive that is based on zinc oxide. Because of that, it's a medical tape that is gentle on the skin, even when it is time to remove it, which can sometimes hurt. It lowers the chances of those nasty burns and skin tears that all too often happen when you rip the medical tape off the skin. The nice thing about Hy-Tape is that it can be worn for long periods without worrying about it falling off. You can also wear Hy-Tape in the shower or if you're sweating and not have to worry about it slipping off like some medical tapes on the market. Ostomy patients also favor Hy-Tape if they have various skin conditions.

Silk Surgical Medical Tape - 3M Durapore- The 3M Durapore medical tape is known to be very comfortable and soft on the skin. It is a surgical tape that is simple to tear apart, but strong at the same time. It is hypoallergenic and permeable.

Plastic Medical Tape - 3M Transpore- The 3M Transpore tape is breathable and you can see right through it. It provides secure and strong adhesion to the skin and is so easy to use. Where some tapes you need a bit of strength to tear, 3M Transpore makes it easy. You can also use 3M Transpore with medical gloves, which is an added bonus for those in the healthcare industry. Securing dressings and other medical devices are a common use of 3M Transpore.

Cloth Medical Tape- 3M Medipore- 3M Medipore is another comfortable and soft medical tape that adheres to the skin nicely. It's commonly used to secure dressings, tubing, and catheters. 3M Medipore feels like a soft and silky cloth. It is very flexible and offers the user a lot of free movement without having to worry about it falling off or becoming loose.

Can Medical Tapes Get Wet?

Some medical tapes are known to be waterproof and some aren't. Before jumping into the shower or swimming pool, you'll want to take a double check at the box or label of the medical tape that you're using to ensure that you can get it wet. With a medical tape like Hy-Tape, you can wear it in the shower and won't have to worry about it moving around or becoming too loose. 3M Transpore is another medical tape that excels in wet or sweaty environments. 3M Micropore paper is an ideal tape to use if your skin is oily or slightly sweaty.

Sometimes finding a medical tape that will work in every situation can be a little frustrating, but reading the information can go a long way in helping you find one that works for you. It's a wise idea to purchase a couple of different rolls of medical tape to test out and see which one works best in your situation. One medical tape might work well for your friend's skin and might not work with you.

Is Medical Tape Safe For The Skin?

The 3M medical tape is known to be safe to use on the skin. There are many varieties of medical tapes that are hypoallergenic and can be applied right to the skin. It's recommended to do a skin test before applying a new medical tape to the skin. Tear a small piece of medical tape off of the roll and use it on a small patch of skin that is not related to the area of your wound or medical device. Let the medical tape stay on the patch of skin for a few minutes before removing it. See how your skin reacts to the tape before applying it to the wounded area of skin. Even though many medical tapes will be labeled "skin-friendly", it doesn't automatically mean that it is going to be safe for every single person in the world's skin.

How Do You Safely Remove Medical Tape?

The positive thing about medical tape is that it is sticky and secures to skin well. The negative thing about it is that when it comes time to remove it, it can sometimes be a tough task and might leave some residue behind. There are many methods and suggestions out there from people that think they have the tried and tested method of removing the medical tape.

One common suggestion for removing medical tape is using rubbing alcohol. While rubbing alcohol does work, some advice against it because it isn't gentle on the skin. Rubbing alcohol tends to dry out the skin and is advised against for those with sensitive skin.

The best way to remove medical tape safely and effectively is to use adhesive remover. At the same time, you purchase your medical tape, also purchase adhesive remover along with it. There are versions of adhesive remover that are pain-free. This essentially means there isn't any alcohol inside of it, meaning that your skin won't dry out. Some adhesive removers do have alcohol in them, so ensure to read the label carefully before making your purchase if you're worried about that. You can purchase adhesive remover in either the wipe form or bottle form.

How To Remove Medical Tape

Carefully begin at a corner of the medical tape and slowly take some adhesive remover and dab the corner edge until you start to see the tape loosening up. Slowly repeat this process as the bandage gradually removes from the skin until it is free. This process may take some patience, and it is advised not to quickly pull the bandage up. Adhesive remover prevents your skin from being damaged, so going about this process with a slow and methodical approach, allowing the adhesive remover to do its job, is the best way to remove the medical tape.

What About Residual Adhesive?

After the bandage is successfully removed from your skin, you'll want to wipe away the adhesive remover to eliminate any residue from the adhesive from the medical tape. After the area isn't sticky anymore, gently wipe the area with some soap and water. Before applying any more medical tape, you'll want the entire area to be completely dry and clean.

Where Can You Buy Medical Tape?

Medical tape can be found at most pharmacies or big box stores. Some might not have a large selection to choose from. If you don't see the one that you want from your local store, then you can always try an online medical store and see what they have. Sometimes going online is a great way to find specific medical supplies that will work for you.