Adhesive Products are Common in Healthcare
Adhesive products are staples of patient care. Inpatients are commonly exposed to a variety of adhesive products throughout their treatment duration. A study by Farris, et. al found that the median number of products per subject was 6.25 for patients in a cardiac‐telemetry unit and 3.0 for patients in a medical‐surgical unit. The most frequent adhesive products used in those instances were peripheral intravenous (PIV) dressings, tape, surgical dressings, surgical closures, wound dressings, and electrodes.¹
Risks and Complications Associated with Skin Tear Injuries
Not surprisingly, skin tear injuries are associated with patient pain and suffering. They affect a significant number of patients, with the mean medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) prevalence reported to be 13%.¹ These painful complications can lead to potentially severe outcomes, including:²
- Increased morbidity
- Longer length of hospital stay
- Decreased quality of life
- Higher cost of care
Protect Skin Integrity by Using Adhesive Removers
One recommended strategy to prevent skin injury during dressing and device removal is the use of adhesive removers.³ These serve to break the bond between skin and adhesive products. This course of action is supported by the 2021 INS Standards, which suggest using adhesive removers to minimize discomfort and risk of catheter‐ associated skin injury.⁴
What Matters when Choosing an Adhesive Remover?
Seeking an adhesive remover solution that includes these important considerations? Contact us now!
FloMedical offers Detachol® Adhesive Remover, a non‐irritating adhesive remover in an easy‐to‐use sterile applicator. Detachol minimizes risk of discomfort and skin injury associated with removal of dressings, tapes, and sticky residue from the skin.
- Farris M, Petty M, Hamilton J. Medical Adhesive‐Related Skin Injury Prevalence Among Adult Care Patients. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2015;42(6):589‐
- Groom M, Shannon RJ, Chakravarthy D, Fleck CA. An evaluation of costs and effects of a nutrient‐based skin care program as a component of prevention of skin tears in an extended convalescent center. J Wound Ostomy Continence 2010 Jan‐Feb; 37(1): 46‐51. doi: 10.1097/WON.0b013e3181c68c89.
- McNichol L, Lund C, Rosen T, Gray Medical adhesives and patient safety: state of the science. Consensus statements for the assessment, prevention, and treatment of adhesive‐related skin injuries. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2013;40:365‐80.
- Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice: Catheter Associated Skin Injury. J Infus Nurs. 2021;44:S168‐S170.
- Ryder M, Duley C, Evaluation of compatibility of a gum mastic liquid adhesive and liquid adhesive remover with an alcoholic chlorhexidine gluconate skin J Infusion Nursing 2017;40(4):245‐252.
- Berkowitz DM, Lee WS, Pazin GJ, Yee RB, Ho M. Adhesive tape: potential source of nosocomial bacteria. Appl Microbiol. 1974 Oct; 28(4): 651‐4. PMID: