3M Tegaderm Film
Marc Kaplan explains the benefits of applying 3M Tegaderm Film.
Often, minor wounds in hard-to-reach places can be difficult to heal. This might include between your fingers, toes, or almost anywhere on your body. Standard bandages can sometimes not help due to their inability to maintain their application. I am sure many of you have encountered this type of difficulty in your lives.
However, some affordable options are available to help these minor wounds in these tough spots. This is where we would like to introduce you to Tegaderm. Tegaderm is a medical transparent film dressing covering minor skin injuries and puncture sites. The advantage of 3M Tegaderm film is its breathability and flexibility with movements, making it perfect for areas such as fingers and toes.
Benefits of 3M Tegaderm film
3M Tegaderm Film is transparent and flexible for added patient comfort. It provides a sterile, waterproof barrier to outside contaminants, including bacteria and viruses. Because of its transparency, the wound site is continuously visible and can be monitored as necessary. Its hypoallergenic components make it safe to use by patients with sensitive skin. The product is fabricated from a material that allows oxygen and vapour moisture exchange, allowing the wound to heal quickly with minimal scarring. The chemical properties of the Tegaderm film prevent the necrotic tissue from forming.
One of the most beneficial properties of 3M Tegaderm film is its ability to allow the wound to heal itself spontaneously. Also called autolytic debridement, this process encompasses self-digestion of the dying tissue by maintaining proper moisture levels under the dressing. This method of wound care expedites healing time with minimal discomfort.
How to Properly Place the Dressing
People can place the dressing themselves if they follow simple rules. Hands should be thoroughly washed and disinfected with an antiseptic soap or liquid. The wound must not be infected. Tegaderm transparent film dressing should be changed at least once per week. The dressing should be removed if any signs of irritation are present. Below are the steps to correct the placement of the dressing.
- The wound is cleaned with rubbing alcohol or other anti-bacterial solution using disposable swabs.
- Allow the skin to dry completely for a sufficient amount of time. Do not blow air on the wound, as it may become contaminated by the bacteria from the mouth.
- The dressing can be cut to the size of the wound with an extra five millimetres on each side for proper adhesion.
- The paper backing is removed to expose the adhering side.
- The Tegaderm dressing is pressed lightly over the wound for better adhesion.
- The paper frame is removed, and the edges of the film are pressed firmly onto the skin.
Transparent film dressings allow people to lead everyday lives without worrying about infections and inflammations. Specially designed for everyday use, 3M Tegaderm film protects wounds even when bathing or swimming. The internal environment remains sterile, allowing for faster wound healing. Regular replacements of the wound dressing will ensure continuous protection and minimal discomfort.
Commonly Used Types of Tegaderm Available
1624W is an octagon frame-style dressing appropriately sized for small areas of the skin, such as minor burn wounds or abrasions. Although a physician typically places it, the patient can also apply it. It is often used to secure minor chronic injuries that need frequent replacement. It is manufactured in size§ 2 3/8" x 2 3/4" for added ease of positioning during the application.
1626W is a rectangle picture-style dressing manufactured in 4" x 4 3/4" size. This 3M transparent film dressing size allows additional skin protection for patients with slightly larger wounds. It is recommended as a protective eyelid dressing.
1624W and 1626W can be cut to any size and shape, providing superb viral protection without leakage. The peel-open style offers quick and painless adhesion to the skin. Because of their strategic shape, these wound dressings allow for accurate placement and a clear view of the wound. They are also suitable as a secondary dressing.
Although there are only two options listed above, various options are available in all different styles. Depending on the size needed, you can find larger-size dressings for more extensive wounds. Tegaderm is used for multiple healing applications, ranging from small to larger incisions. Surprisingly, it is even used after people finalize receiving tattoos. Its breathability is extremely helpful for this healing process.
On to you
Now that you know better how to heal these minor types of wounds, could you use this in the future? We highly recommend having these types of dressings in your first aid packs so that when you are having trouble healing minor wounds, you have alternatives. Thank you for taking the time to read about new ways of healing wounds, and we hope you find this helpful content.
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- KAPLAN, M. (2017) 3m Tegaderm Film [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article265.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Marc Kaplan is the founder and CEO of Save Rite Medical, the leading provider of wholesale medical supplies. Since 2006, Marc has provided ways and alternatives to healthier lifestyles while fostering a health education community.