Everyone has heard that the best way to remove adhesive bandages to pull quickly
and abruptly otherwise known as the grip and rip method but is this actually
correct. There's the idea that when it's time to remove the bandage or some tape
from the skin pain or at least some serious discomfort is just part of the
deal no exceptions and what about the belief that cuts and scrapes need to
breathe to heal and therefore should not be covered up by a bandage. Well these
are just some of the commonly held beliefs about medical adhesives that we
recently set out to explore. Let's take a look at what we found.
So what is the worst part of taking off an adhesive bandage? That it sticks
to the hair follicle.
Does it hurt? yes it does! Do you have a rip expression or something you say
Ahhhhh
Before you pull it off, what's the face look like?
I just pray - Suck it up
One of the most common myths
about adhesive removal from skin is that it should be done rapidly to just get it
over. In truth this is not just more painful but may also cause injury
Removing tape by pulling it straight up
increases tension on skin. Instead follow the low and slow method by
lifting one corner and slowly pulling the tape over itself in the direction of
hair growth stabilize the skin by pressing it down gently with one finger
at the peal edge.
So these here are from 3M. I'm going to apply it to your skin and then to your arm hair.
Let's put this right over
Let's cover this up.
now why don't you try to take it off and tell me how it feels when he comes off
that's Smooth
It's very comfortable
Painless
Like it's never there - to be honest.
Its coming off really easily and its not actually hurting and there's no residue. Its really good.
Fortunately, the newest class of medical
adhesives contain silicon which is very gentle on the skin and can actually be
removed almost pain-free unlike acrylate adhesives silicone adhesives have
lowered surface tension making them ideal for patients with fragile skin or
when more frequent dressing changes are required. Even in areas covered by hair
silicone adhesives can be easily removed. While silicon based adhesive should not
be used for primary securement critical tools or devices they are ideal for more
gentle applications or when skin integrity otherwise be at risk
Is it true that the bandage that should stay on all the time or would you want your skin breathe?
I would say breathe a little otherwise it gets all weird, puckered looking - that can't be good.
I guess I was raised to believe there should always be covered.
I used just leaving right on.
Well I was told as a kid was gotta let the wound air out after a little bit
They should breathe, technichally.
At least for the first 24 hours covered and then I usually leave them uncovered the nighttime.
I've always heard it helps it to scab over.
Many people are surprised by this one but the truth is that wounds should not
be left uncovered. Uncovered wounds are more likely to form scabs which can be
torn or scratched which further delays the healing process. instead wounds should be
covered to keep the wound bed moist which allows the wounds heal more
quickly and decreases the risk of infection. Covered wounds also decreases the risk of scarring
these are just a few of the more common myths surrounding medical adhesives.
At 3M we have a long tradition of providing the right types of medical adhesives for
each situation including fragile or at risk skin, general securement of
tubing and devices, moist skin conditions
surgical and wound dressings single patient use and more. For information about
proper adhesive selection application and removal, click here.
thanks for watching