Question:
Anybody know how to keep the surgical tape from tearing off skin when you pull it off

I had a seroma on the top part of my incision that turned into a large hole, the doc said to pack it but everytime I have to change the dressing(2 times a day)I rip off more layers of my skin. I have tried taping in different places around the wound but all that did was make my entire belly blood raw. I have tried silk tape and paper tape with the same results, I hope somebody can help, it is very painful and at the rate it seems to be healing I will be doing this for several more weeks!!    — Joy S. (posted on May 1, 2001)

April 30, 2001
JOY, YOU CAN TAKE RUBBING ALCOHOL AND SOAK THE TAPE, BE CARFUL NOT TO GET ON INCISION. KEEP TAPE WET WITH ALCOHOL AND PULL VERY EASE SOAKING UNDERSIDE AS YOU PULL IT WILL COME LOOSE WITH EASE. IT BREAKS IT DOWN. WE DO THIS TO OUR PATIENTS TAPE. IT DOES WORK.
   — [Anonymous]

May 1, 2001
Hi Joy, there is a wonderful medical product called DETACHOL that is an adhesive remover. Talk to your surgeon about getting it. I am not sure if you need a prescription. Call a pharmacy and ask. It might be available at a Medical supply store, also. It really works great. Also, fingernail polish remover has acetone in it and this will remove the adhesive and make it come loose. Be careful not to get this in the wound. There is something called a "Montgomery bandage"(I think) that stays attached on the sides of your wound and then you put the dressing between and it ties on top and keeps it in place. For dressing changes you just untie and change what is underneath. Also, some people use a product called duoderm on the sides of their wound and then place the tape on top of the duoderm. The duoderm will stay in place for days-do not remove it for dressing changes. The tape gets placed on top of this and comes off easily without ever contacting your skin. the duoderm will gradually work it's way loose and then you just replace it. Hope this is helpful. Shelley
   — Shelley.

May 1, 2001
I had this same problem when I had my Csection. The alcohol works wonders to remove the tape but if you get some bedadine(sp) and mix it with water (like a bedadine wash after you have a child) and wash the area that is irrated and ripped to shreds and wash it when you change you bandages it will slowly begin to heal and stop hurting so bad
   — Robin C.