Adhesive medical devices are a type of medical device that directly adheres to the surface of the skin for treatment or adjuvant therapy. Common types include wound dressings, transdermal drug delivery systems (such as patches), hot compress packs, etc. The usage methods of different types of adhesive devices vary, but generally follow the following basic steps:
1. Preparation before using adhesive devices
Check product packaging
Check if the equipment has expired, ensure that the packaging is intact and not contaminated.
Read the product manual to understand the usage method, indications, contraindications, and precautions.
Clean hands
Before use, hands must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water to prevent bacteria from entering wounds or sources of infection.
Clean treatment area
If treating trauma or skin diseases, use warm water and non irritating cleaning agents to clean the affected area and ensure that the skin is dry.
2. Instructions for using adhesive devices
Wound dressings (such as gauze, band aids, etc.)
Cut to appropriate size: Cut the appropriate dressing or band aid according to the size of the wound, avoiding being too large or too small.
Remove protective film: For wound dressings with protective film, tear off the protective film and carefully peel it off.
Apply to the wound: Gently place the dressing on the wound, ensuring complete coverage and avoiding any air gaps between the dressing and the skin.
Fixed dressing: If it is a wound dressing with adhesive properties, it can be directly fixed. If additional fixed dressings are required, they can be secured with bandages or tape.
Replacement frequency: Replace dressings according to the doctor's advice or product manual. Most dressings need to be replaced after 24 or 72 hours, but the specific time will depend on the healing condition of the wound.
Transdermal drug delivery patches (such as pain relief patches, drug patches, etc.)
Choose a suitable area: Choose a clean, non-invasive, and hairless area (such as the upper arm, back, or abdomen) for application. Avoid applying it to joints, skin folds, or areas with excessive hair.
Clean the skin: Use warm water and a fragrance free cleanser to clean and dry the skin, ensuring effective transdermal absorption of the medication.
Tear open the packaging: Open the packaging bag of the drug patch and carefully remove the patch.
Attach to skin: Apply the medication patch to the skin and press for a few seconds to ensure that the patch is firmly attached.
Pay attention to usage time: Wear the patch according to the instructions. Usually, medication patches need to be worn for about 24 hours, but some patches may take longer. Wearing it for too long may cause side effects, while wearing it for too short may affect the treatment effect.
Replace patch: Replace the drug patch within the specified time, and avoid repeatedly applying it to the same position during use to avoid skin irritation.
Hot or cold compress pack
Check packaging: Ensure that the hot or cold compress package is not damaged and within its expiration date.
Heating or cooling: If it is a hot compress pack, heat it in a microwave or hot water according to the product instructions; If it is a cold compress pack, it needs to be frozen in the refrigerator until the desired temperature is reached.
Application location: Apply hot or cold compress packs to the areas that require treatment, such as muscles, joints, back, etc., as needed.
Time control: Generally, hot compress lasts for 20 minutes and cold compress lasts for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not exceed the recommended time to avoid skin burns or frostbite.
Avoid direct contact with the skin: If the temperature of the patch is too high or too low, avoid direct contact with the skin and use a thin towel or fabric to separate it.
3. Precautions after use
Wound dressing
Avoid wetting: Keep the dressing dry and do not let it get wet. Wet compress can affect wound healing and may lead to infection.
Pay attention to changes in the wound: Regularly check the wound for symptoms such as redness, swelling, exudation, or infection. If there are any discomfort or signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.
Avoid excessive friction: Avoid friction between the dressing and clothing or skin to prevent displacement or affect healing.
Transdermal drug delivery patch
Avoid local friction: Try to avoid significant friction at the drug patch site to prevent detachment or reduce efficacy.
Allergic reaction monitoring: If there are allergic symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, etc. on the skin, it should be stopped immediately and a doctor should be consulted.
Reasonably change the position: During long-term use, regularly change the patch position to avoid skin irritation.
Hot and cold compress packs
Avoid prolonged use: Avoid using hot or cold compress packs continuously for a long time, and follow a 20 minute interval between each use.
Pay attention to skin reactions: When using, pay attention to the temperature response of the skin to avoid burns or frostbite.
Do not directly touch the skin: If you need to use a hot compress pack, avoid direct contact with the skin and use a towel for isolation.
4. Common problems and solutions
Skin allergy: When allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, etc. occur on the skin, it should be stopped immediately and the skin should be washed. If the symptoms are severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
Drug patch detachment: If the drug patch detachment occurs, it can be replaced with a new patch in a timely manner, and attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the skin at the application site.
Non stick dressing: If the wound dressing does not adhere or easily falls off on the wound, you can try changing to a different type of dressing or using tape to reinforce it.
By using it correctly, adhesive medical devices can effectively assist in treatment, improve patients' symptoms, or provide soothing effects. However, in order to ensure the safety and efficacy of use, it is very important to strictly follow the product instructions or doctor's advice.