Different types of medical tapes and how to use them

Medical tape is a kind of tape that is used for medical and first-aid purposes to secure bandages or other dressings to wounds. Therefore，medical tapes usually have a hypoallergenic tape that sticks firmly to the skin, dressings and underlying tape, but can be easily removed without harming the skin. They allow air to reach the skin (" breathable "). Some breathable tape, such as sports tape, and other adhesive elastic bandages are made from cotton. Surgical tape is usually white because it contains zinc oxide, which helps prevent infection. Tapes made of microporous materials are widely used.

Here are the main points of the article:

What are the types of medical tapes?

How do you use medical tapes?

What are the types of medical tapes?

There are many types of medical tapes, classified according to the tape itself and the quality of the adhesive used, which should be hypoallergenic. The most common are fragile medical tapes (such as tearing paper) or medical tapes that can’t be easily teared (usually fabric or plastic), some of which may be waterproof or breathable, or both waterproof and partially porous, allowing limited air and moisture to pass through. The bandage should be properly adhesive, breathable and impermeable, easy to remove without irritating the skin, and resistant to extreme temperatures, aging and solar radiation. Medical tapes shall meet the requirements of internationally recognized standards such as ASTM international ASTM PSTC/ 6 standard. At the beginning of the 21st century the most common options include:

• Roll or precut and pack separately

• Transparent, white or "skin" color (although the color is difficult to adapt to certain types of skin, especially non-European skin)

• Rigid or expandable/elastic, allowing the dressing to be fixed in place or bent near the bone joint

• Absorbent or waterproof

How do you use medical tapes?

We list some types pf medical tapes in the following as well as their uses:

1. Transpore polyethylene medical tape:

Also known as sellotape, it is a hypoallergenic, translucent medical tape that can be used for a variety of purposes. Sellotape is easy to tear into strips and can be used when wearing gloves. It is usually used to secure medical ducts and dressings that require a firmer hold. The medical tape evaporates moisture from the skin while keeping it breathable. It is usually made of an inelastic transparent polyethylene film.

2. Paper medical tape:

The paper tape is mainly used to secure dressings and bandages. It has a hypoallergenic adhesive that sticks firmly to the skin, dressings and underlying tape, but it can be easily removed without causing damage to the skin. This medical tape also has small holes or pores that allow air to circulate, making it breathable. It is usually made of unstretched pulp and binder.

3. Zinc Oxide medical tape:

Zinc oxide medical tape is also known as strapping or sports tape because it is widely used to avoid sports injuries and soft tissue damage, as well as to protect wounds, and speed up its healing. It can also support muscles to stabilize injured ligaments. Zinc oxide remains intact after long wear, retaining moisture even in humid environments. It is usually made of unstretched cotton or rayon silk bonded with zinc oxide.

Medical tape can be used in a variety of situations, and different types of medical tape are best suited for different applications. Knowing when and how to use these different types of medical tapes can help use them to their best. For more information, fell free to contact us at any time.