Quick Summary:
Removing medical adhesive can not only be uncomfortable, it can be downright painful and even tear or strip your skin. In this blog, we will review the importance of proper adhesive removal and how the occurrence of medical adhesive-related injuries (MARSIs) can have negative effects. We also outline some popular medical adhesive removers, barrier preps, and moisturizing creams that can simplify the process.
Click a link to jump to the section.
- Why Adhesive Removal Can Be Uncomfortable
- The Dos and Don'ts of Adhesive Removal
- Popular Adhesive Removal Products
- Adhesive Removal Sprays and Wipes
- Moisturizing Skin Care
- Barrier Preps and Wipes
Why Adhesive Removal Can Be Uncomfortable
Medical adhesives are important in securing wound dressings, ostomy pouches, tapes, and more in place for effective medical care. However, removing medical adhesive can sometimes be difficult and even damage the skin upon removal. A strongly bonded medical adhesive, if removed improperly, can strip and tear the skin upon removal. Whether removing your medical adhesives or helping someone else, there are steps you can take to help prevent skin trauma and make adhesive removal more comfortable.
Understanding how to remove medical adhesives correctly also involves understanding medical-adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs) and why they happen.
Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injury (MARSI)
A medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) is any form of skin damage that occurs after removing medical adhesive from wound dressings, stoma products, tapes, medicine patches, electrodes, and more. MARSIs often happen when a medical adhesive is removed incorrectly, causing further pain and discomfort, delayed wound healing, and even increasing the risk of infection. They are often caused by the adhesive being strongly bonded to the top layer of the skin, stripping away that top layer upon removal.
There are three MARSI types:
- Mechanical: Any injury caused by adhesive removal, e.g., skin stripping, skin tears, blistering, etc.
- Dermatitis: Skin irritation in response to the adhesive used.
- Other: Maceration (skin breakdown due to trapped moisture), folliculitis (inflammation/infection of hair follicles), and other skin injury.
Who's At Risk?
Anyone who uses medical adhesive products is at risk of MARSIs. However, those with delicate or sensitive skin, like newborns or older adults, are especially at risk.
WhyIsPreventingMARSI Important?
Besides avoiding initial pain and discomfort, MARSIs can cause an increased risk of complications, infection, scarring, delayed wound healing, and more.
Common Medical Adhesive Types and MARSI Risk
Acrylic
Acrylic (acrylate) is one of the most commonly used adhesives because of its strong and secure bond. As it warms, it adheres and fills into the rough, uneven surfaces of the skin. However, its strong bond can make it more difficult to remove and is more likely to cause skin damage if removed improperly.
Silicone
Silicone adhesive adheres to the uneven surfaces of the skin upon application and does not increase in adhesion over time. This safe level of adhesion makes it easier to remove than other adhesives and less likely to cause damage to sensitive skin.
Hydrocolloid
Hydrocolloid adhesive forms a soft gel from wound exudate. Adhesion increases over time, posing the same risk of MARSI as a strongly-bonded acrylate adhesive.
Do:
- Gently Lift Adhesive Corner: Without using your fingernails, lift the corner of the adhesive.
- Peel Back Low and Slow: Holding the edge close to the skin, pull the adhesive back over itself in the direction of hair growth.
- Support the Skin: Press one finger down at the peel edge to stabilize the skin.
- Make Use of Warm Water: Remove adhesive in the shower or freshly out of the shower. You can also use a warm compress to soften the adhesive.
- Use Medical-Grade Adhesive Removers: Moisturizers and water are easy to access and can help soften adhesive; however, adhesive removers are designed to dissolve adhesive without leaving any residue behind and can more effectively prevent MARSI when used appropriately. Silicone-based adhesive removers help gently remove the adhesive without drying out the skin.
- Cleanse and Moisturize Skin: After removing the adhesive, use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to clean the skin. Protect and soothe the skin with a gentle moisturizing cream or ointment.
Don't:
- Rip Adhesive Off Quickly: "Ripping the bandaid off" is not only painful, but it will likely traumatize your skin and cause further discomfort.
- Scrape or Pull: Lift the adhesive to begin the removal process; don't use your fingernails to scrape the adhesive from the skin.
- Ignore Pain or Discomfort: If the adhesive is pulling at your skin and causing discomfort, stop and apply more moisturizer or adhesive remover to the peel line.
- Use Harsh Solvents: Avoid using harsh solvents like rubbing alcohol or acetone as an adhesive remover. They can dry out your skin and make adhesive removal more uncomfortable.
- Leave Adhesive Residue Behind: If there is still adhesive residue on your skin after removal, gently remove it with a warm compress or adhesive remover.
Recommended Products for Gentle Adhesive Removal
Now that you know the do's and don'ts of medical adhesive removal, we have gathered a list of helpful and popular products that can help remove adhesive and prevent damage to your skin. This list includes adhesive removers, moisturizing creams for before and after removal, and barrier preps to prepare for future adhesives.
Adhesive Remover Wipes and Sprays
Brava Adhesive Remover
The Brava adhesive remover is an alcohol- and sting-free solution. The spray helps remove the barrier or dressing, and the wipe helps clean away any residue.
Key Features
- Quick-Drying Formula Won't Leave Residue
- Sting-Free, Alcohol-Free Removing Solution
- Won't Interfere with Adhesion of Future Dressings
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Coloplast
- Container Type: Spray Can/Individually Packaged Wipes
- HCPCS Code: A4455
Customer Review
"Wonderful product for a colostomy bag removal."
Uni-Solve Adhesive Remover
Uni-Solve is specifically formulated to dissolve acrylic-, rubber-, and hydrocolloid-based adhesives. It contains aloe to help soothe irritation and moisturize the skin without any leftover residue.
Key Features
- Aloe Vera Soothes and Calms Irritation
- Environmentally Friendly Formula
- Easily Removes Acrylic-, Rubber-, and Hydrocolloid Adhesives
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Smith & Nephew
- Container Type: Individually Packaged Wipes
- Ingredients: Contains Aloe
- HCPCS Code: A4456
Customer Review
"I have used this product for years and it does a great job removing any adhesive that is on my skin. I highly recommend it to others."
Hollister Adapt Medical Adhesive Remover Spray
Hollister Adapt remover is a silicone-based, CFC-free formula that helps gently lift and loosen the adhesive.
Key Features
- 360-Degree Spray Nozzle for Accessing Any Angle
- No-Sting Formula Is Gentle on the Skin
- Silicone-Based Formula Breaks Down Adhesive Bonds
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hollister
- Container Type: Spray Can
- HCPCS Code: A4455
Customer Review
"It's really good for getting the last of the adhesive off and is gentle on the skin"
Moisturizing Skin Care
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor is a dermatologist-recommended, highly moisturizing ointment that relieves irritated skin and helps protect skin from further irritation.
Key Features
- #1 Dermatologist Recommended Brand for Dry and Irritated Skin
- Panthenol and Glycerin Deeply Moisturize and Protect
- Preservative and Fragrance-Free Formula
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Beiersdorf
- Active Ingredient: White Petrolatum
- Container Type: Jar
- Scent: Unscented
Eucerin Original Lotion
Eucerin lotion is recommended for very dry, sensitive, and/or inflamed skin. This gentle lotion relieves and prevents chapping, flaking, redness, and other irritations.
Key Features
- Keeps Skin Moisturized Up to 48 Hours
- Soothes and Repairs Severe Skin Irritations
- Fragrance-, Dye-, and Paraben-Free Formula
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Beiersdorf
- Active Ingredients: Water, Mineral Oil, White Petrolatum
- Container Type: Jar
- Scent: Unscented
Barrier Preps and Wipes
3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film
This barrier film forms a protective, breathable coating that shields skin from adhesive trauma. It protects the skin without interfering with the initial adherence of the dressing or barrier.
Key Features
- Plasticizer Creates a Breathable Protective Film
- Hypoallergenic Formula Is Gentle on Damaged Skin
- Protects Skin from Adhesives, Bodily Fluids, and Friction
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Solventum Corporation
- Active Ingredients: Hexamethyldisiloxane, Isooctane, Acrylate Terpolymer, Polyphenylmethylsiloxane
- Container Type: Individual Packet
- HCPCS Code: A6250
Customer Review
"This is my favorite barrier to swab around a wound before placing the dressing. It does not sting and protects the skin when removing the dressing."
Skin Tac H Adhesive Barrier Prep Wipes
Skin Tac wipes create a natural barrier to protect the skin from adhesive and tapes, while also improving the adhesion of the dressing.
Key Features
- Hypoallergenic Formula Is Ideal for Sensitive Skin
- Creates Tacky Skin Barrier That Improves Adhesion
- Economical Packaging Contains 50 Wipes
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Torbot
- Active Ingredients: Isopropyl Alcohol
- Container Type: Individual Packet
- HCPCS Code: A5120
Customer Review
"Discovered this product a year ago and it has allowed me to from3 days between changing my ostomy bag to 4 days and some times another half day. This helps my skin to stay healthier."
ESENTA Sting-Free Skin Barrier Wipes and Sprays
ESENTA barrier formula provides long-lasting skin protection that lasts up to 72 hours. It is gentle on sensitive skin and works well for frequent use.
Key Features
- Creates Protective Layer That Lasts up to 72 Hours
- Quick-Drying Formula for Convenient Application
- Dermatologist Approved, CHG-Compatible Solution
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ConvaTec
- Active Ingredients: Silicone Blend
- Container Type: Pump Bottle/Individual Packets
- HCPCS Code: A4369
Customer Review
"Works well and works fast."
Conclusion
Removing medical adhesive can be painful and uncomfortable, but with the proper products and techniques, the adhesive can be removed gently and safely without damaging your skin or causing further problems.
Footnotes
- 1 "Savine, L., & Snelson, K. (2024, October 10)." Medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI): Preventing patient harm. Wounds International.
- 2 "Fumarola, S., Allaway, R., Callaghan, R., Collier, M., Downie, F., Geraghty, J., Kiernan, S., Spratt, F., Bianchi, J., Bethell, E., Downe, A., Griffin, J., Hughes, M., King, B., LeBlanc, K., Savine, L., Stubbs, N., & Voegeli, D. (2020)." Overlooked and underestimated: Medical adhesive-related skin injuries. Journal of Wound Care, 29(Sup3c)
- 3 "Taroc, A.-M. (2017, October 25)." A guide for adhesive removal: Principles, practice, and products. My American Nurse.
- 4 "Rippon, M., White, R., & Davies, P. (2007)." Skin adhesives and their role in wound dressings. Wounds UK.
- 5 "(2017)." Proper medical tape application and removal. 3M.
