Medical tape comes in all shapes and sizes to perform a variety of different purposes from wound care to fist aid. So,me tapes also have specific properties such as fabric reinforced or waterproof tape. Here are 5 common types of medical tape and their primary uses.
- Micropore Surgical Paper Tape – This general purpose tape is designed for easy tearing and application on sensitive areas, fragile skin and elderly patients. It is also breathable so does not allow moisture to build up, which makes it excellent for long term wound dressings. Ideally, good surgical tape needs to be moisture resistant yet allow a wound to breath and not collect moisture underneath it.
- Mepitic Soft Silicone Tape – This tape is also designed for sensitive and fragile skin. Additionally, it is ideal for dressings that need to be changed frequently as its design makes for easy, pain free application and removal. It also has good elasticity, making it a superior tape for comfort as it conforms smoothly to the skin without kinking. This tape creates a moisture proof barrier when applied.
- Hypoallergenic Cloth Surgical Tape – A latex free, durable tape – this one is designed for repeated use on specific areas, such as to hold IVs, catheters and tubing in place. This means it will come free without tearing or aggravating skin. It’s also fairly flexible in case of swelling once applied. If you’re ever in the ICU, you’ll see a lot of this being used as you’re being kept hydrated and the nurses are managing IV lines.
- Zinc Oxide Adhesive Tape – This is a long-term tape designed to stay in place even after repeating washings of the patient. The waterproof tape is designed for comfort and durability and is frequently used for wounds and incontinence collectors – situations where dressing changes can risk infection so are done infrequently.
- Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape – Kinesiology tape is designed to stay on through repeated exercise and showering, lasting up to 3 – 5 days. It is designed for use during exercise and sports as it provides support for joints, muscles, and tendons while remaining flexible enough to not impede motion. It’s also designed to stand up in both cold weather and hot. The tape is also sturdy enough to swim in and, as such, is a popular therapeutic treatment for swimmers.
While that covers the main types of medical tape, or at last the most common, there are many more tapes in the industry to treat specific health needs. While you may reach for medical tape automatically for wound care, if you use medical tape often it may benefit you to research to determine which type would work best for your particular needs. If you’re having trouble finding a good comparison of different types of tape, check a site like toptenthebest and take advantage of their research teams’ work. It can be a great time saver when you’re doing comparison shopping on an unfamiliar product.