When you think of healthcare supplies, what comes to mind first? A stethoscope to hear a heartbeat. A syringe to give a needed shot. Ahhhhhh, the “open wide” tongue depressor!
But what about the Medical Tapes? It may not pop to mind first, but this versatile tool is incredibly important in the medical field. There are many varieties from which to choose and many companies that convert medical adhesive tape for wound care.
Medical Adhesive Tape 101
Medical adhesive tape, or surgical tape, is used to attach Medical Bandages, gauze, and other dressings to skin around wounds. Most adhesive tapes are a type of pressure-sensitive tape; i.e., tape that sticks and stays in place with firm pressure. There’s no need for heat activation or a solvent. Medical adhesive tape can be made from various materials, but most are breathable for comfort and ease of use.
Types of Medical Adhesive Tape
In the medical field, different types of adhesive Wound Dressings are used for different things. Some are made of softer materials, such as cotton; others are more elastic to support flexibility. Here are some of the most common types of medical adhesive tape and how they differ.
Micropore Paper Tape — Commonly used to secure bandages and dressings to skin without leaving a sticky residue, micropore paper tape is hypoallergenic and can be used long-term, without fear of skin irritation. Its adhesive sticks to the skin, underlying tape, or directly to dressing materials. Tiny holes, or micropores, in the tape, make it breathable (speeding up healing), and it’s easy to tear (ideal for emergency situations).
On the ambulance, this was the one that always ran out first, leaving a box full of useless, hard-to-tear tapes for the unlucky guy who got there last.
When it comes to versatility, efficiency, and overall quality, few medical tapes outperform Medical Plasters. It is the strongest adhesive tape for skin that I have found.
Sticks to anything: While it’s specifically designed for medical purposes, it will stick to anything. It needs to be applied dry, but it sticks through sweat, hair, and blood no problem.
Waterproof: You can go swimming or take a shower and this medical tape will stay on.
Made with pores: It is covered in a grid-like pattern of tiny holes that give it some unique properties. Sweat and body fluid will pass right through it without causing it to come off. Air can reach the skin underneath it. Its pores allow you to tear in a straight line both across and lengthwise in order to customize the width.
Easy to tear: Unlike many cloth tapes, 3M Transpore rips easily using your fingers both horizontally and vertically.
Strongest adhesive tape for skin: If you need to take it off, you don't necessarily want the strongest tape, but sometimes the strongest is the best.
Surgical Care is an indispensable element of every home medicine cabinet. Measuring body temperature correctly greatly facilitates differential diagnoses and is a guide to taking antipyretics (substances that reduce fever).
Cleaning Wipe is a convenient way to keep your house in tip-top shape. However, not all wipes are created equal. While some wipes are equipped to disinfect surfaces, others are only meant for cleaning. Keep in mind that doing the latter is more important than the former, because disinfecting surfaces should always be the last step in any cleaning routine,1 and it isn’t always necessary.
