For most people, tape adhesive is annoying and irritating. However, there are those with sensitive skin that experience allergies and painful rashes when their skin comes in contact with medical tape adhesive. If you are one of these people, you need to find the best medical tape for sensitive skin to avoid painful rashes.
Aside from allergies, there are also people with sensitive skin who are more prone to experiencing medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs). These injuries occur when the removal of the tape from the skin causes tearing, ripping, or separation of the skin’s epidermal layers.
Depending on the strength of the adhesive and the sensitivity of the skin, several injuries can occur. Erythema (redness of the skin) occurs when you remove the adhesive tape but do not break the skin. Stripping occurs when the cling of the tape is stronger than the bond of the skin layers, and you remove the top layer of the dermis along with the tape. In the worst cases, tears can occur if you remove the tape too quickly and cause the skin layers to separate.
To avoid these injuries and protect your skin, here are 7 of the best medical tape for sensitive skin available.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape | Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape allows you to attend to wounds and scrapes at home easily and conveniently. The clear design helps you place the tape on hard-to-reach areas but still makes the medical tape practically invisible against your skin. | ||
| Medpride Transparent Surgical Tape | If you have sensitive skin, you need to steer clear of bandages that contain latex. Luckily for you, the MedPride Transparent Surgical Tape is latex-free and hypoallergenic. You can use it for sensitive skin without any problems, even if you leave it on for long periods. | ||
| 3M Transpore Surgical Medical First-Aid Plastic Tape | In times of emergency, the medical tape is a must-have to help dress wounds as well as secure gauze. The Transpore Surgical Plastic Tape by 3M does a great job of sticking to the skin even under moist conditions and leaves little residue when the tape is removed. | ||
| Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape | If you need a strong and reliable medical tape that will stay on even through exercising and water activities, look no further than the Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape. However, don’t be afraid as the tape is still very gentle on the skin and can be removed easily. | ||
| Healifty 6 Rolls Medical Tape Clear Skin Tape | If you’re in the market for a medical tape that’s great for sensitive skin, easy to tear, and breathable, the Medical Tape from Healifty has you covered. It comes in a pack of six so that you can always have a backup roll whenever you need it! | ||
| Comfort Release Sensitive Skin Pain-Free Removal Medical Tape | Some of the people who need medical tape specifically created for sensitive skin are senior citizens and young children because of their soft and fragile skin. The Comfort Release Sensitive Skin Pain-Free Removal Medical Tape is created, especially with these needs in mind. | ||
| Nexcare Sensitive Skin Low Trauma Tape | For sensitive skin, nothing is better than using hypoallergenic medical tape that’s easy to remove and does not leave a sticky residue. With the Nexcare Sensitive Skin Low Trauma Tape, you can be assured that the tape will cling to the skin for as long as you need but can easily be removed when you want it to come off! |
A Detailed Review on the 7 Best Medical Tape for Sensitive Skin
Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape
Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape allows you to attend to wounds and scrapes at home easily and conveniently. The clear design helps you place the tape on hard-to-reach areas but still makes the medical tape practically invisible against your skin.
Product Highlights
If you don’t like the look of bandages on your skin, the transparent design of the Nexcare Clear Tape is a great choice for discreet bandaging. The bandage is waterproof and can be worn in the shower, but it is also breathable and allows proper air circulation on your skin. It can be easily torn without the use of scissors.
The Good
Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape is made by 3M, a trusted and well-known manufacturer of adhesive products. The Flexible Clear Tape is commonly used by hospitals to secure gauze, catheter tubing, and IV drips, so you can expect superb adhesiveness that’s also gentle on the skin.
The Bad
Some users have reported that the adhesive has a strong chemical smell, and it can still cause rashes or allergic reactions if left on the skin for long periods. The tape does not stick to gauze.
MedPride Transparent Surgical Tape
If you have sensitive skin, you need to steer clear of bandages that contain latex. Luckily for you, the MedPride Transparent Surgical Tape is latex-free and hypoallergenic. You can use it for sensitive skin without any problems, even if you leave it on for long periods.
Product Highlights
The Transparent Surgical Tape from MedPride comes in a pack of 12, with each tape roll wrapped individually inside. The tape is gentle on the skin and latex-free. The material is clear and discreet, and also allows proper air circulation to promote healing.
The Good
Since this tape comes in a box of 12 with each roll individually wrapped, you can get and use only what you’ll need and save the rest for later. The delivery time is quick, and the product is affordable.
The Bad
This tape is considered to be a “generic” brand, so it doesn’t stick as well compared to other medical tapes. What’s more, the product is not waterproof and will not stick at all to sweaty or wet skin.
3M Transpore Surgical Medical First-Aid Plastic Tape
In times of emergency, medical tape is a must-have to help dress wounds as well as secure gauze. The Transpore Surgical Plastic Tape by 3M does a great job of sticking to the skin even under moist conditions and leaves little residue when the tape is removed.
Product Highlights
The tape is breathable, flexible, and strong. The material is clear but not transparent, and the adhesive is very sticky. It clings well to skin, gauze, or other bandages.
The Good
This tape is hypoallergic and latex-free, making it perfect for those who have sensitive skin or those who are prone to MARSI.
The Bad
Based on several reviews on Amazon, fakes are being sold that have “Trans.pore” on the label. 3M does not make these knockoffs, and they do not have the hypoallergic quality of the original tape. What’s more, even the original tape is not waterproof and does not cling well to wet skin.
Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape
If you need a strong and reliable medical tape that will stay on even through exercising and water activities, look no further than the Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape. However, don’t be afraid as the tape is still very gentle on the skin and can be removed easily.
Product Highlights
The Absolute Waterproof Tape does live up to its name! Whether it’s in the shower, in the swimming pool, on the beach, or sweating it out in the gym, this tape stays on your skin. It is the top choice when it comes to U.S. hospital medical tapes. The tape has a thin cushion lining to protect your skin from blisters.
The Good
Even though the tape is somewhat thick, it still conforms easily around hard-to-tape areas such as your fingers, knees, or elbows. It is strong and flexible, but the tape can be torn by hand if needed.
The Bad
The material is not breathable at all, so the skin underneath the tape can quickly become hot, sweat, and uncomfortable during sunny days. You may need to change the tape every few hours to let your skin breathe.
Healifty Medical Tape
If you’re in the market for a medical tape that’s great for sensitive skin, easy to tear, and breathable, the Medical Tape from Healifty has you covered. It comes in a pack of six so that you can always have a backup roll whenever you need it!
Product Highlights
The Healifty Medical Tape is strong, durable, and flexible. The surface is covered with micropores to allow the skin to breathe and promote faster healing. You can easily tear the tape into pieces even without using scissors.
The Good
The adhesive used by the company is medical-grade and non-toxic, so even if you accidentally brush the adhesive side against your wound, it will not result in infection or irritation.
The Bad
The tape is not waterproof, and it does not adhere well to wet or sweaty skin.
Comfort Release Sensitive Skin Pain-Free Removal Medical Tape
Some of the people who need medical tape specifically created for sensitive skin are senior citizens and young children because of their soft and fragile skin. The Comfort Release Sensitive Skin medical tape is created, especially with these needs in mind.
Product Highlights
Comfort Release tape is breathable and hypoallergenic and can be left on the skin for long periods without discomfort or adhesive residue left when it is removed. Even though the adhesive will not stick to your skin painfully, you simply need to use rubbing alcohol to dissolve the adhesive further and make the tape easier to remove.
The Good
If you or a loved one has thin, fragile, or sensitive skin, this tape is a great choice because it is very gentle on the skin. It is also ideal for those who are on medication such as steroids or blood thinners because these medications make the skin more fragile.
The Bad
This tape is not waterproof and will not stick well to sweaty or wet skin. If your skin becomes sweaty or the tape becomes wet, the adhesive will loosen, and you will need to reapply the tape.
Nexcare Sensitive Skin Low Trauma Tape
For sensitive skin, nothing is better than using hypoallergenic medical tape that’s easy to remove and does not leave a sticky residue. With the Nexcare Sensitive Skin Low Trauma Tape, you can be assured that the tape will cling to the skin for as long as you need but can easily be removed when you want it to come off!
Product Highlights
This best lounge sofa is made of skin-friendly and durable linen fabric material that provides you with extra comfort. It can accommodate up to 220lbs of weight. Its contemporary design will easily match any room décor and arrangement. It is easy to maintain and clean and easily stored when not in use.
The Good
Thanks to the proprietary adhesive formula, the Nexcare Sensitive Skin Low Trauma Tape can be left on the skin for up to 48 hours without losing its stickiness. However, even after 48 hours of continuous contact with sensitive skin, this tape will not trigger any allergic response, nor will it leave adhesive residue when removed.
The Bad
According to some reviews, the blue dye on the tape bleeds out if the tape gets wet. The tape is also more expensive compared to other medical tapes on this list.
Conclusion
It is important to have the best medical tape for sensitive skin always on hand if you or a loved one has sensitive skin. Having hypoallergenic and gentle tape will prevent further injuries and discomfort brought about by having the tape on the skin. If you are looking for a tape that’s strong, completely waterproof, and will last you a whole day, the Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape is what you need. However, if you are looking for something that’s a bit lighter and more breathable, the Comfort Release Medical Tape is a good choice. Find out more about first aid kits.