How to Use Tegaderm

Dressings are usually applied to wounds or other areas that require additional protection, such as IV insertion sites and some bedsores. These dressings are used in most hospital and health-care settings and provide full coverage and protection. Another great benefit of tegaderm dressings is the ease of use for both health-care providers and the patient.

Instructions

1. Shave or remove any hair from the area that you intend on placing the tegaderm.

2. Cleanse the wound and the surrounding area. Depending on the wound type or method of use, follow instructions as given by your health-care provider. This could be wiping down the area with an alcohol wipe or cleansing the area with sterile water or other cleansing solutions.

3. Measure the area of the wound, and select the size tegaderm that you will need. Consult the tegaderm packaging to see which size will suit the area best.

4. Remove the tegaderm dressing from the package, following any infection-control policies your health-care setting specifies.

5. Remove the bottom part of the tegaderm dressing and apply it to the skin. In most instances, the tegaderm has two covers over the adhesive part of the dressing that will allow you to remove one part and stick it on the area to be covered. You also will be able to access the second half of the dressing, removing it to ensure proper placement and thorough covering of the area.

6. Remove the two additional backings that are on top of the dressing. These will be very small and thin paper pieces. They will be readily visible as the tegaderm dressing is transparent, and the paper backings will be a yellowish beige color.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the area to which the tegaderm is being applied is as dry as possible.

• Be careful not to allow the tegaderm to overlap too far onto undamaged skin, as this can cause further damage to the skin.

Resources

• SMTL Dressings Datacard
• 3M: Venous Ulcers