21 Things You Need to Know About Medical Tapes

There are a wide variety of tapes used in the medical industry. Three of the most commonly used medical tapes are paper, transparent, and cloth. Other types of medical tape include retention tape, waterproof tape, and silicone tape. We rounded up a list of 21 things you should know about using medical tapes in a wound care setting.

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1. Medical tapes are used to secure dressings.
2. Medical tapes are commonly called surgical tapes.
3. When applying medical tape, a few different factors may influence which type you choose. These may include age and integrity of skin, oiliness of the skin, or sensitivity to certain adhesives.
4. Before you apply tape be sure to evaluate the application site.
5. If you are using a secondary dressing, we recommend having at least 1 inch of tape on either side of the dressing so it will properly adhere and isn&#;t easily pulled off.
6. Be aware, if taping over excess hair, that the tape may not adhere well to the skin and can also be more difficult to remove. OUCH!
7. Medical tapes go by a lot of different names. Paper tape is often referred to as Micropore® tape, and transparent tape or plastic tape is often referred to as Transpore® tape. Cloth tape is often referred to as Durapore® &#; these are commonly used because they are brand names of the market leaders.
8. It is important when using adhesive tape to never place directly over a wound.
9. Paper tape is lightweight, microporous and will hold even when wet. It is gentle on sensitive skin and is recommended for delicate or elderly skin.
10. Cloth tape is also commonly described as silk tape or soft cloth.
11. Cloth tape has a strong adhesive; however, it is designed to leave minimal residue on the skin. It can be torn bilaterally without the use of scissors.
12. The best way to get cloth tape to stick is to make sure you apply the medical tape without tension and gently stroke the surface to maximize adherence.
13. Transparent tape is water-resistant, but it is not a waterproof tape!
14. Transparent tape is perforated and can easily be torn in any direction.
15. Single-use medical tape rolls are all available in cloth, transparent, and paper versions &#; this is perfect for individual patient use to help reduce cross-contamination and waste.
16. Retention tape can be used to securely hold wound dressings.
17. Some retention tape brands feature a printed S-Curve release liner for easy application.
18. Retention tape is pre-cut to reduce excess waste.
19. Waterproof tape is flexible and easy to tear.
20. Waterproof tape must be applied to dry skin in order to adhere well.
21. All DUKAL&#;s Medical tapes are not made with natural rubber latex.

There are many different types of medical tape on the market, each with its distinct advantages and disadvantages. A lot of things need to be considered before choosing the one you will use after a medical procedure.

In this guide, we&#;ll discuss the various types of medical tape and the factors to think about before choosing one. With this information, you&#;ll be better informed on the types of tape that are available and can hopefully heal your wounds in full.

Things to consider when choosing a type of medical tape

A lot of consideration should be made when choosing the type of medical tape to use when securing a wound dressing. Your doctor or caregiver should be able to provide some insight into the type of tape that will work best for your situation.

Although your doctor may have a preference of tape, you might find that you prefer another type. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your caregiver to ensure you use a tape that is both safe for your skin and also comfortable for you personally.

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When choosing your medical tape, keep these factors in mind:

• Latex content &#; Some tapes are made with latex, which can cause skin irritation. This can be especially problematic if your wound will be healing for days or weeks. If you&#;re allergic to latex, there are non-latex tapes that are designed to be more sensitive to the skin.
• Width of the tape &#; Most medical tapes come in a variety of widths. Some wound dressings only need a tape width of an inch while other wound dressings need a much wider tape. Depending on the size and type of wound dressing you&#;ll be wearing, you&#;ll need to consider tape width.
• Tape thickness &#; How thick is the medical tape? A thicker tape may hold better than a thin one that can tear easily. However, thicker tapes can restrict movement and cause irritation near the wound.
• Tape rolls and tape patches &#; Depending on the tape itself, it may come in a roll or a patch. Wounds such as IV sites benefit from roll tape because it can easily roll around the limb to keep the IV secure. Other wounds, such as large abrasions, may do better to be taped in place with a large tape patch.
• Waterproof and water-resistant tape &#; While no tape is perfectly waterproof, it&#;s important to consider your water exposure needs. Most tapes can handle the moisture from a daily shower, but only special patches can handle a bath. No matter what, you should regularly change out the tape and wound dressing according to your doctor&#;s recommendations.

Types of medical tape

Medical tape comes in a variety of forms. Some of the most common types of medical tape include:

• Clear tape &#; When monitoring a wound&#;s healing progression is important, clear tape is the best choice. It allows for a strong hold of the dressing and provides an easy view of the wound itself as it heals.
• Cloth tape &#; One of the most common types of medical tape, cloth tape offers a bit of stretch and maneuverability, more than some other tapes. It&#;s also more absorbent of skin oils and wound liquids, which is vital to the healing of certain wounds.
• Elastic tape &#; When comfort is a priority, elastic medical tape can&#;t be beat. This tape is very bendable, allowing for a range of motion without losing grip. Elastic tape is a common choice for many different types of wound dressings. Hy-Tape is a skin-friendly elastic tape designed to keep the skin safe from further damage and irritation. It features zinc oxide which helps protect the skin from damage when a bandage moves or is removed.
• Foam tape &#; Unlike other tapes which only stretch in one direction, foam tape can stretch across length and width, allowing for more comfortable movement. It&#;s also great for swollen wounds where the skin may bulge.
• Non-adhesive tape &#; As the name implies, non-adhesive tape doesn&#;t use any adhesive at all. Instead, this tape attaches to itself and tends to be wrapped around a wound dressing.
• Paper tape &#; Paper tape can hold well and is porous, making it a great option for wounds that need airflow. As you would expect, paper tape is the worst option for those who expect any amount of water exposure. 

Protect the skin around the wound

An important aspect of taping a wound dressing in place is to keep the nearby skin safe from damage. Using Hy-Tape can help ensure a tight hold, comfortable movement, and a lack of skin irritation.

Hy-Tape is made to maintain skin health in every way. It&#;s made without latex, provides a gentle hold, is washable, and allows for a full range of motion. It also includes zinc oxide, an ingredient that is sensitive to the skin and helps reduce irritation. Hy-Tape comes in rolls and patches that can be cut to the perfect size for any wound dressing.

Whether dressing a wound for a day or a few weeks, make sure the wound dressing is held in place properly. Using Hy-Tape can protect the skin from irritation and keep the dressing in place to do its healing work.

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