Improve Paper Tape Adhesion: A Guide for Better Wound Care

Paper tape is often used to attach bandages or dressings to various body parts to protect wounds from contamination and to enhance the healing process. The tape needs to adhere to your body in order to keep from falling off. The secret is to prepare the skin surface properly in the first place, which creates a surface to which paper tape will more completely adhere. Paper tape is better than plastic tape if you have latex allergies.

Things You'll Need

• Paper tape
• Water
• Soap
• Alcohol
• Benzoin spray

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the skin surface using soap and water.

• 2

  Shave hair on and around the site to be covered with tape. Hair interferes with paper tape's ability to adhere to skin.

• 3

  Wipe the skin with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining oils and contaminants.

• 4

  Cut the tape to length to cover the dressing. Apply tape to the dressing or bandage first, then to the exposed prepared skin surface to hold dressing in place. Try to cover at least two inches of skin with the paper tape for maximum holding power.