When you hear the word “tape,” what comes to your mind?
Do you think of the black tape that you often find around wires or the colorless one that binds paper?
If so, you are not far off. What about Self Adhesive Stretch Tape for skin? One that binds body parts together or holds something to your skin? That is what we will focus on in this article; adhesive tape for skin in all its glory.
Adhesive tape for skin goes by several names, including adhesive bandages, surgical tape, medical tape, and so on.
It is a combination of material and adhesive substance on one side. You will find a lot of it in hospitals, but it is also often used outside the clinical world, albeit still for clinical purposes. Athletic tape is commonly used to secure other substances like dressing and bandages, but it can also be applied directly to the skin.
Types of Adhesive Tape
There are different types of medical adhesive tape:
- Micropore Paper Tape
This type of adhesive tape is named this way because of its tiny holes; “micropores” is a fancy name for such holes.
The presence of these holes is what gives it one of its greatest benefits- breathability. Micropore paper tape is especially valued for its breathability because that allows for a speedy recovery and more efficient healing.
It also does not leave a sticky residue like other adhesive tapes, which is why it can be used for a long period without you having to worry about irritated skin or residual goo.
It is made of hypoallergenic material and can be used on the skin, bandages, and other tapes. It is important to know that, although this tape is okay with a little moisture, it is not exactly waterproof.
- Transpore Polyethylene Tape
You will find this breathable tape everywhere in the medical world, from hospital rooms to ambulances. We guess its strength and impressive adhesion are some of the reasons it is greatly favored. This tape is also made of hypoallergenic material that may or may not be transparent.
Its great advantage is that it can stick to, and through, almost anything. By “through,” we mean blood, sweat, and the likes. This is why it is usually abundant in the ambulance; it can be used in emergencies.
Also, it is very easy to tear. For this same reason, it is used to secure equipment, like tubes, that may get moisture on them. This super-sticky feature of this tape does not come without its downside.
Most of the time, depending on the brand, the tape leaves a sticky residue. In addition, it can damage fragile skin. This is why it is not the best choice for daily bandage changes. Transpose polyethylene tape is not flexible or stretchy, so it may be hard to use on contour and irregular body parts.
- Durable Cloth Tape
This is another commonly used adhesive tape. This tape is flexible, allows air to permeate it, and tends to be comfortable.
Thanks to its flexibility, it can be used on contours, unlike transpore tape. It also does not stick so much that it leaves a residue; this makes it best for daily application.
Durable cloth tape is not waterproof but can handle a little moisture. It is really strong, which is why it is often used to secure splints and other dressings.
- Waterproof Tape
Yes, there is an Self Adhesive Bandage that is specifically designed to withstand water without coming off. This type of tape is even more flexible than durable cloth tape, which is why it is even better for contours, joints, and irregular spaces like those between the fingers and toes.
Although this tape is designed for use in water, it will not stick to wet skin. It has to be applied initially to dry skin for it to be effective. Waterproof adhesive tape is not breathable or easy to tear like most other tapes we have mentioned.
It also likely won’t leave any sticky residue on your skin or remove part of your hair while taking it off.
- Zinc Oxide Tape
This adhesive tape is fancied in the sports zone. Athletes often use it to protect wounds, prevent injuries, and so on. One of the reasons why it is preferred among athletes is its incredible ability to withstand moisture.
This feature comes in handy when they engage in activities that make them sweat a lot. This type of adhesive tape is also usually durable, flexible, comfortable, and stretchy, which affords athletes a maximum range of motion without the fear of having it come off.
Features of Our Adhesive Tape
- Our Hampton Adams 2in by 3.3yds of non-woven Self Adhesive Elastic Bandage Wrap is made of latex-free material. With this latex-free anti-rash formula that we have employed, you no longer have to worry about reacting to adhesive tape or getting skin irritation.
- Our tape is also made with a strong adhesive, making it sticky and strong. This, however, does not translate to it leaving sticky residue as other tapes do. Using a special formula, we have successfully created an adhesive tape that sticks but does not leave glue all over your skin. It also will not damage your skin or remove part of it.
- Hampton Adams offers a 60-day double money-back guarantee on our tape. Unbelievable, right? It is true, though. If for some reason, you do not love our tape, you are allowed to return it and get twice the amount you paid.
Functions of Adhesive Tape
We already mentioned that adhesive tape could be used on skin or other dressings; at least most of the tapes can. So, what exactly will they be doing in these positions?
The first function that adhesive tapes perform is support. These tapes can hold the gauze in place on cuts and burns. They can also be used to secure splints around the finger, in the case of buddy taping.
Adhesive tapes like the microspore type can be used to hold bandages in place for daily changes. As mentioned above, adhesive tape can be used to secure tubes and dressings in place.
Another function that adhesive tapes perform is protection.
This function holds a lot of water regarding the zinc oxide tapes that athletes seem to favor. They use these tapes to support bones and tissues, protect themselves from injury, stabilize their joints, and speed up recovery.
The tape can also be used to prevent chafing on the feet and the insides of your thigh, where it is highly likely.
Adhesive tape can also just be used to cover cuts and bruises to prevent them from getting infected or contaminated.
Application of Adhesive Tape
Before applying adhesive tape to your skin or wound, knowing what type of tape suits your condition is best. Think about the location of the injury or affected part. Is it hidden, is it a contour, is it irregular?
If the answer is yes, you know that you are looking for a tape that is flexible and possibly stretchy. Think about the kind of injury and what you are aiming for. Is the tape going to be there for support or protection?
Consider whether you need the tape to be breathable. You should also keep in mind the type of activities you will be engaging in.
Do they involve water? Do they require a high range of motion? These are ways to narrow down the type of tape that will be perfect for your desired function.
After you have made this decision and you have gotten your tape, here are a few steps to take in the application of it;
- If you are taping bare skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Advisably, remove any excess hair before doing that. After this, you should dry the skin to allow maximum adhesion. In the case of a wound, follow your doctor’s instructions about cleaning it before applying the tape.
- Cut a length of tape that will cover the required space and a bit of your skin on both sides. This will help it to stay firmly in place. If you are using it to secure a bandage, consider the bulk the bandage will add and increase the length appropriately.
- Apply the tape without stretching, even if it is made of stretchy material, as this can reduce its efficiency. You can rub the tape into place to improve the adhesion.
You will easily spot our latex-free adhesive tape and other taping materials after a brief look at our page at Hampton Adams, so make sure you visit this page.