Medical Tape
You can streamline the wound care process with durable, long-lasting medical tape. Each type of tape is designed to work over dressings and on bare skin for maximum efficiency. Consider using classic cloth tape for general-use bandaging, or try silk tape when you need highly breathable dressings.
Secure, Long-Lasting Hold
You can create long-lasting dressings with medical tape that's designed to last. Tape with durable adhesive can help hold gauze and bandages in place, so it can protect a wound from moisture, dirt and germs during the healing process. Paper tape adheres well to damp skin, making it a convenient choice for small to medium facial dressings, ostomy pouches and IV sites. For mobile patients, waterproof tape can help dressings stick even during showers. When you need to secure thick dressings, splints or heavy tubes, consider looking for extra-strength cloth tape. Some tapes can provide a hold of up to seven days, reducing the need for painful dressing changes.
Flexible for Easy Movement
Consider using flexible foam or cloth tape to dress wounds on unusually shaped areas. The stretchy material conforms to elbows, knees and wrists to help ensure a tight hold. If you're treating wounds on joints or body parts with high mobility, try to look for tape with a multi-directional stretch; these products move with the patient's body, all without dislodging the dressing. Flexible tape can accommodate swelling without excess tightness and can provide cushioning for the painful area.
Gentle on Skin
You can help reduce your patients' pain levels with gentle, skin-friendly body tape. Some products feature hypoallergenic adhesives that can help prevent irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin. You can avoid accidental allergic reactions by using latex-free tape. Most medical tape is designed for gentle removal to ease discomfort during dressing changes. If you're treating pediatric or geriatric patients, paper tape provides a gentle hold and breathability to help protect fragile or delicate skin. For patients who are prone to skin damage, consider looking for low-residue, low-sensitivity adhesive for easier removal and cleaning.
Caregiver-Friendly Designs
You can help your healthcare workers provide effective wound care with user-friendly medical tape. Easy-tear tape can help save valuable time and effort in emergency settings; consider looking for products with a bilateral tear pattern for clean tearing without scissors. Some tapes come with top release liners to protect the adhesive and can allow fast application. For wounds that require constant monitoring, clear, perforated tape can enable you to examine the skin without pulling up the adhesive.
Conveniently Sized Packs
Consider stocking your medical supply cabinet with multi-roll boxes of tape. You can distribute individual rolls to different wings of your facility, or you can set a box in the supply room for quick access. If you're building a home first aid kit, a single roll of tape and a box of gauze sponges can help with minor cuts and scrapes. Some product boxes double as convenient dispensers, so you can release the perfect amount of tape.