Tuesday, September 10, 2019

OF STICKY ADHESIVE RESIDUE

 There are numerous monitoring (blood sugar 14 days sensor), therapeutic devices (insulin pump), topical patches (PatchMD.com), birth-control patches,(for one weeek) adhesive bandages, and simple band aids that rely on a "super adhesive" to assure effective adherence and functionality for the designed duration.

While assuring the adhesion for hours, days and even weeks, and to make them water/sweat resistant, the are aggressively sticky by design. When patches are worn for a week or two, (not the case with PatchMD) an annoying line of dirt, lint, or whatever can get stuck around the edge, which may feel kind of gross. 

Fortunately, PatchMD patches only stay on for 8 hours, so when the product/patch is removed, they might only leave some adhesive residue on the skin.

The facts that such a problem seems to happen almost every year during the warmer summer months and then stops as the temperature cools, is indicative of the influence of ambient temperature, levels of perspiration and exposure to sunlight. Women with fair, soft skin might be more susceptible.

Environmental issues such as rain, frequent showers and excessive sweating might contribute to some residual adhesive left on the skin, despite the fact that polyester from the patch, along with the adhesive (at least the PatchMD products) is rated hypo-allergenic and non-sensitizing to human skin.

The good news about some left over adhesive is that it is not dangerous and can be easily removed by any following methods:

1. Soak the sticky area in warm water is to simply take a bath or shower. The adhesive may come off on its own, or may need a little gentle scrubbing from a washrag or mild abrasive pad. If you don't have time to take a bath or shower, just fill a bowl or pan with warm water and soak the affected area. This works best if you can let the adhesive soak for a long time. Try this remedy while you're reading or watching television.

2. Since most lotions have an oil or lipid (fat) base, they can work for removing adhesive just like baby oil or cooking oils. Rub in a small amount of lotion, let it sit for several minutes, and rub with a gentle towel or cotton ball.
Unscented lotions are best. The chemicals used for added fragrances can sometimes cause pain and rashes on irritated skin.

3. Apply ice to the bandage residue. Cover the ice with a paper towel to prevent it from sticking to skin and leave in place for five minutes. The ice will make the adhesive brittle, which may cause it to release.

4. Soak residue with baby oil. Baby oil works using the same principles as cooking oils, either by dissolving the adhesive or releasing its grip upon skin. An added benefit is that most baby oils are made to be especially gentle, making this a great choice for delicate skin. Most baby oils are simply mineral oil with a small amount of scent added. You can use pure mineral oil as an alternative to baby oil — often, it is slightly cheaper.  If you're removing adhesive from a child's skin, try adding a drop of food coloring to the baby oil and using it to "paint" the affected area. The oil will remove the adhesive and the coloring will provide a fun distraction.

5. Finally, rubbing alcohol is very effective at dissolving some types of adhesive. Apply a small amount with a Q-tip or cotton ball, let it sit briefly, and rub gently to remove. Please be aware, that rubbing alcohol can dry out and irritate skin, especially in delicate areas. Use only a few drops at a time and allow your skin to rest between uses.

6. Equally effective is nail polish remover. The active ingredient in most nail polish removers is acetone, a chemical solvent. Acetone also works as a solvent for many common glues and adhesives, dissolving them on contact. Apply a small amount into the affected area and let it sit for a few moments, and then continue rubbing gently to remove.
Please we aware, that acetone can have a similar drying or irritating effect on the skin as rubbing alcohol, so take similar precautions. Exercise care in using acetone; it is a highly flammable substance and thus should not be used in combination with heat. Avoid using non-acetone nail polish removers as they will not contain the solvent required to dissolve the bandage residue.

In a mean time, enjoy the health benefits of PatchMD.com products that seriously outweigh the occasional inconvenience of residual adhesive.

Be Well! 
Your #MDinPatchMD
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Academician Dorodny, Dorodny, Prof, Dorodny, NEW Institute, myths, mythology, investigative Mythologist, TRI-PAC, health consumer advocacy, medical/heath investigative mythology, medical myths, health myths, healtcarING, health carING, PatchMD, PatchMD.com, Medical Scientist, Chief Medical Scientist, Investigative Medical Mythologist, Editor-in-Chief AMHSR Journal ________________________________________________________________________

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