Tips to Reduce
the Risk of MARSI
Problem Cause To reduce the risk of injury
Stripping
As tape is removed, the epidermis remains attached to
the adhesive, resulting in epidermal damage or a painful
area of exposed dermis. Degree of stripping varies with
skin condition, adhesive characteristics, and frequency of
taping.
• Use gentle, hypoallergenic tape
• Match strength of adhesive to clinical needs and skin condition
• For high-risk patients, avoid using skin tackiers under tape
• Protect at-risk skin with 3M
™
Cavilon
™
No Sting Barrier Film,
allowing it to dry before taping
•
If repeated taping is anticipated, consider applying tape over a platform
• Use proper removal technique
Mechanical Injury
Due To Tension
The most common causes of tension injury are
inappropriate strapping of tape during application and
distention of skin under an unyielding tape.
Strapping tape across skin is mistakenly thought to
increase adhesion. As the tape backing resists stretch or
regains its original shape, the epidermis begins to lift.
This results in “tension blisters” typically seen at ends of
the tape. Skin tears may occur before a blister even forms.
• Apply tape without tension
• Identify patients at high-risk: fragile skin, medical conditions
(e.g., long-term corticosteroid use, malnutrition) or surgical procedures
where edema or distention is expected (abdominal, orthopedic)
• Protect at-risk skin with 3M
™
Cavilon
™
No Sting Barrier Film,
allowing it to dry before taping
•
If swelling or movement is expected, use a tape that stretches. Apply
tape so that direction of stretch corresponds with direction of swelling
• If distention or edema is noted, loosen, reposition, or replace tape
A non-allergic contact dermatitis may result when
chemical irritants such as tackiers or some skin
preparations are trapped between adhesive and skin.
The affected area will correlate to the area of exposure
and may appear reddened, swollen, blistered, or weeping.
•
Assure that skin is clean and dry before applying tape
•
Protect skin with 3M
™
Cavilon
™
No Sting Barrier Film, allowing it
to dry before applying tape
• If possible, avoid using tackiers
Allergic Contact
Dermatitis
Patients may be mistakenly identied as having tape
allergies when, in fact, they have experienced a
non-allergic contact dermatitis. Clinical signs include
well-dened areas of er ythema and edema; vesicles may
be present, as well as small erosions.
• Identifying type of tape causing sensitivity
• Options may include identifying an alternative hypoallergenic tape or
contacting tape manufacturer for assistance
• Using 3M
™
Cavilon
™
No Sting Barrier Film may not prevent
an allergic reaction
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inammation of the hair follicle
caused by shaving or entrapment of bacteria.
• Use a clipper or depilatory preparation if hair removal
is necessary
Maceration
Maceration refers to skin changes seen when moisture is
trapped against the skin for a prolonged period. The skin
will turn white or gray, soften and wrinkle. Macerated skin
is more permeable and prone to damage from friction
and irritants.
• Keep taped skin clean and dry
• Replace tape if soiled
• Use breathable tape in moist areas
• Avoid occlusive tapes unless clinically indicated
Non-Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Available in Canada from:
Critical & Chronic Care
Solutions Division
3M Canada Company
P.O. Box 5757
London, Ontario N6A 4T1
Canada
1-800-563-2921
www.3M.ca/skinwound
3M Health Care
2510 Conway Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55144
USA
1-800-228-3957
www.3M.com
For more information, contact your 3M Skin Health representative or call the
3M Health Care Customer Helpline at 1 800 364-3577. These products can
be ordered from your local distributor.
Please recycle. Printed in Canada.
3M, Cavilon and Medipore are trademarks
of 3M. Used under license in Canada.
© 2014, 3M. All rights reserved.
1403-00577E