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When you hear adhesive tape, what comes to mind? The black cellotape that you use to hold wires together? Or the transparent ones that are just perfect for your torn paperbacks?
Here, we are talking about Self Adhesive Bandage for skin, and you’re probably thinking, “Oh!” right now.
There are various types of adhesive tape that we use on skin, and under each type, there are even more categories.
If we were to go by the general definition of adhesive, athletic tape and kinesiology tape are adhesive tapes. Adhesion has to do with a material that sticks to other surfaces, in this case, skin. This can also define athletic and Kinesio tapes; they are often used within and outside the sports scene to improve treatment, treat injuries, and sometimes, prevent them.
However, if you were in an ambulance, the Self Adhesive Elastic Bandage would mean only one thing; the most readily available and widely used tape in the hospital. It is also called surgical tape, adhesive bandage, and medical tape. This is the adhesive tape that we will focus on today. First, let us talk about the types.
Types of Adhesive Tape
There are five common types of medical tape. They are:
Transpore Polyethylene Tape
If you have ever been to the hospital, which you most likely have, you must have seen and probably had it used on you. Transpore polyethylene tape is the kind you will find everywhere in the hospital, in the wards, the theatres, and especially in the ambulance.
Its incredible resilience and durability may be good reasons for its popularity. This adhesive tape is very breathable, which is a good thing when you are using it on injuries to speed up recovery. Its adhesive ability is also quite impressive, it may just be the deal breaker.
Transpore tape can stick to almost anything. Even better, it can stick through anything. With this type of adhesive tape, you can rest assured that your tape is not falling off any time soon, at least not until you are ready. Its adhesion is so incredible that it can be used directly on sweaty or bloody parts. Why else would paramedics fancy it as an ambulance supply if not because it is the perfect thing for emergencies?
This peerless adhesion is also why it can be used to secure medical equipment, like IV lines and tubes. This equipment has a high tendency of getting moisture on them, which is why this adhesive is the only one that can take on this job.
Moreover, transpore tape is very easy to tear. As a paramedic, the last thing you want to do while desperately trying to save someone’s life is battling a jerky-like tough tape.
There are two sides to a coin; this also applies to transpore tape. Its great sticking ability has its cons, the most notable one being that it is very likely to leave behind a sticky residue. This also means that it can be very hard to remove, which may not be suitable for people with delicate skin. Also for the same reason, even if you have tough skin, it is not advisable to use this tape if you plan on changing it frequently.
Transpore polyethylene tape is not the most flexible adhesive tape out there, it may not be the best for irregular body parts, like the webs between the toes.
2. Micropore Paper Tape
The word “micropore” literally translates to “tiny pores” or “tiny holes” and that is the literal definition of micropore paper tape: an adhesive tape that contains tiny holes. This is enough to emphasize its breathability. This may just be its greatest advantage over other types of adhesive tapes. This function comes in handy for healing and speedy recovery.
On its adhesion, it is not as sticky as transpore polyethylene tape. This has advantages. It makes it suitable for frequent bandage changes. In addition, it is way less likely to irritate your skin or leave behind a sticky residue.
This tape is not as absorbent or as waterproof as transpore tape but it can withstand a little moisture. It is made of hypoallergenic material, just like transpore tape.
3. Zinc Oxide Tape
You will easily find more of this type of adhesive tape on a football field than you will in an ambulance. This is because it is an athlete’s favorite. They use it to protect their wounds and also to prevent themselves from getting injured.
Are you wondering why athletes love zinc oxide tape so much? It is because they sweat a lot, and this tape can withstand a flood of that liquid. So, why not?
Another thing is that it is quite flexible and comfortable, and at the same time, strong. It is an athlete’s dream come true in one roll. It allows them a maximum range of motion without tearing off or getting uncomfortable.
4. Durable Cloth Tape
As the name suggests, this tape feels very much like cloth. It is also very flexible, breathable, and comfortable. These characteristics allow you to move freely and let air pass through while keeping you comfortable.
Because of its flexibility, it can be used on irregular body parts and contours, like the space between the fingers or toes.
Cloth tape can handle some moisture, but it is not waterproof. It is sticky but not as much as transpore tape; it also does not leave behind any sticky goo. This is why it is also perfect for frequent changes.
Durable cloth tape is often used to secure splints because it is very strong.
5. Waterproof Tape
Waterproof tape is specifically designed to withstand external moisture without losing its adhesion. “External” because even though it is waterproof, it won’t stick to an originally wet surface.
This type of adhesive tape is very flexible, even more so than cloth tape. This accounts for why you can use it on almost any part of the body.
Waterproof tape is not as breathable as all the other types of adhesive tape; it is also not as easy to tear. Its water-resistance feature may have something to do with that.
It does not tend to irritate your skin, tear off your skin, or leave behind any glue.
What Can Adhesive Tape Do?
You now know all the different places adhesive tape can be found. You also know all the types of adhesive tape and what differentiates one from the other. Now, let’s move on to the function of these tapes.
Adhesive tapes can be used for support, especially the strong types like transpore polyethylene tape and durable cloth tape. They can be used to hold splints in place, like in the event of buddy taping, and to secure other dressings, like gauze on cuts and bruises. As already mentioned, transpore tape can also be used to tape IV lines and tubes to a body part. In the case that a bandage will require frequent changes, micropore paper tape will be the best option.
Surgical tapes can be used for protection. The zinc oxide tape performs this option best, it is why it is popular among athletes. It can be used to support their bones and joints and to protect their skin from bruises and cuts. They can also use this adhesive tape to prevent the skin on their feet and the insides of their thighs from cracking or chafing.
Lastly, it can be used to protect injuries from further damage through infections, and also to speed up recovery.
About Our Adhesive Tape
Our Hampton Adams Self Adhesive Stretch Tape 2 inches by 3.3 yards of non-woven adhesive bandage tape roll is very comfortable.
Here at Hampton Adams, we have managed to combine all the best parts of the different types of adhesive tape. Coming first is how we have made our tape as comfortable as possible. The surgical tape is made of latex-free material. The fact that it does not contain latex is, in itself, enough evidence of its comfortability.
Tapes that contain latex can be very uncomfortable, more so for people who are sensitive or have latex allergies. We have completely eradicated this possibility by removing latex from the equation.
With our tape, you no longer have to worry about rashes or skin irritation.
Hampton Adams adhesive tape does not leave a sticky residue.
We have made the glue of our adhesive bandage with a special formula. This keeps it steady and stuck for as long as you want it. Unlike other tapes, our product’s stickiness does not in any way mean that it will leave behind residue.
Despite the unparalleled adhesion of our tape, it is still quite easy to remove when you decide to. It will not damage or irritate your skin, nor will it leave any sticky substance behind.
There is a 60-day double money-back guarantee on our surgical tape.
You can return our product if you don’t find it satisfactory and get double your money back. No questions asked.
If what you want is quality adhesive tape, our Hampton Adams 2 inches by 3.3 yards of non-woven bandage tape roll is the perfect choice for you. You can get it from our page here at Hampton Adams.
