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The most common causes of tension injury are • Apply tape without tension
inappropriate strapping of tape during application and • Identify patients at high-risk: fragile skin, medical conditions
distention of skin under an unyielding tape. (e.g., long-term corticosteroid use, malnutrition) or surgical procedures
Strapping tape across skin is mistakenly thought to where edema or distention is expected (abdominal, orthopedic)
increase adhesion. As the tape backing resists stretch or • Protect at-risk skin with 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film,
regains its original shape, the epidermis begins to lift. allowing it to dry before taping
• If swelling or movement is expected, use a tape that stretches. Apply
Mechanical Injury This results in “tension blisters” typically seen at ends of tape so that direction of stretch corresponds with direction of swelling
Due To Tension the tape. Skin tears may occur before a blister even forms. • If distention or edema is noted, loosen, reposition, or replace tape
A non-allergic contact dermatitis may result when • Assure that skin is clean and dry before applying tape
chemical irritants such as tackifiers or some skin • Protect skin with 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film, allowing it
preparations are trapped between adhesive and skin. to dry before applying tape
The affected area will correlate to the area of exposure • If possible, avoid using tackifiers
and may appear reddened, swollen, blistered, or weeping.
Non-Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Patients may be mistakenly identified as having tape • Identifying type of tape causing sensitivity
allergies when, in fact, they have experienced a • Options may include identifying an alternative hypoallergenic tape or
non-allergic contact dermatitis. Clinical signs include contacting tape manufacturer for assistance
well-defined areas of erythema and edema; vesicles may • Using 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film may not prevent
be present, as well as small erosions. an allergic reaction
Allergic Contact
Dermatitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle • Use a clipper or depilatory preparation if hair removal
caused by shaving or entrapment of bacteria. is necessary
Folliculitis
Maceration refers to skin changes seen when moisture is • Keep taped skin clean and dry
trapped against the skin for a prolonged period. The skin • Replace tape if soiled
will turn white or gray, soften and wrinkle. Macerated skin • Use breathable tape in moist areas
is more permeable and prone to damage from friction • Avoid occlusive tapes unless clinically indicated
and irritants.
Maceration
For more information, contact your 3M Skin Health representative or call the
3M Health Care Customer Helpline at 1 800 364-3577. These products can
Available in Canada from: be ordered from your local distributor.
Critical & Chronic Care
Solutions Division
3M Canada Company 3M Health Care
P.O. Box 5757 2510 Conway Avenue Please recycle. Printed in Canada.
London, Ontario N6A 4T1 St. Paul, MN 55144 3M, Cavilon and Medipore are trademarks
Canada USA of 3M. Used under license in Canada.
1-800-563-2921 1-800-228-3957 © 2014, 3M. All rights reserved.
www.3M.ca/skinwound www.3M.com 1403-00577E