Amy, the resident Nexcare™ Product expert, answers the most Fearlessly Asked Questions.
AMY KROHN,
Product Development Specialist
At Nexcare, we don’t just design products for no reason. We use science to find better ways to help heal. Which is why we take leading hospital products and make them directly available to you.
Nope. If your wound dries, it heals more slowly, espe-cially if a scab forms. Our waterproof dressings and bandages take the place of the scab and promote a healthy healing environment while still letting air in.
The diamond shape is for a complete, 360-degree seal around the pad’s entire surface. This ensures a stronger seal and allows for better protection from dirt, germs and everything else.
Simple, make sure the area is clean and free of lotions or ointments. Our Nexcare Bandages with 360-degree seal will stick with ease.
Our waterproof bandages are made with a unique waterproof membrane that has microscopic air holes that are too small for water molecules to pass through, but allow oxygen in.
Our waterproof bandages and Tegaderm™ Transparent Dressings are designed for easy removal. Just grab an edge of either of these and stretch away from the wound, parallel to the skin. This releases the adhesive and it comes right off without grimacing. Or screaming. You should also try our Sensitive Skin bandages de-signed for a secure hold but pain-free removal.
Tegaderm Dressings are completely clear, hospital-grade waterproof dressings used to keep wounds clean and protected while still being able to see the healing process. It sticks for up to seven days and is one of the best ways to cover larger wounds.
The paper frame around our waterproof bandages helps you apply the bandage without it wrinkling as you apply it. The ultra-thin film conforms to your body and doesn’t get in the way of your day-to-day activities. This frame keeps the bandage from folding over itself and ensuring that way you get an excellent waterproof seal to the skin.
Amy is one of our resident rockstar experts whose job is to develop and test innovative products for you. As in, she literally listens to your questions and concerns and goes back to her lab to work with her team of scientists to invent better ways to heal. She’s also wicked smart.
After you have washed the wound area, pat it dry before applying the bandage or wound dressing. After it’s on, avoid rubbing the bandage or dressing or exposing it more than necessary to any liquids.
Change your bandage every day, or several times a day if it becomes wet or dirty. If you are using Nexcare™ Waterproof Bandages, these do not need to be changed if they become wet.
For Nexcare™ Flexible Clear Tape rolls that do not come with dispensers, run your finger around the roll until you feel a ridge. This is the edge of the tape. Use your fingernail to lift up the edge, then unroll whatever size piece you need. The tape tears easily by hand, so no need for scissors.
Tip: turn a short piece at the leading edge of the tape under to create an easy starting point for the next time you need it.
On the roll that comes with a dispenser, there is a white tab with arrows on the edge of the roll, to show you where it starts. When you are cutting the piece you need, pull the tape across the dispenser’s cutting blade at an angle to minimize stretching and make cutting easier.
If a bandage is not easily releasing avoid pulling on bandage, instead work a little baby oil or cooking oil into the adhesive to help the bandage release from the skin. Or use ice (covered with a paper towel) for 5 minutes or less. Ice will make the adhesive brittle, which may cause it to release.
Nexcare products are available at most drug, grocery, mass merchandisers and online. To find where a specific product is located find it within our product catalog and click “where to buy”.
Nexcare™ Adhesive Bandages, including Nexcare™ Waterproof Bandages, Nexcare™ Soft 'n Flex Bandages and our Nexcare™ Blister Bandages, are NOT made with natural rubber latex.
Most of our first aid tapes and wound closures, such as Nexcare™ Tegaderm™ Waterproof Transparent Dressings, are also not made with natural rubber latex. The only exceptions are Nexcare™ Athletic Cloth Tape, Nexcare™ Athletic Wrap and our Nexcare™ Reusable Cold/Hot Pack, all of which are made with natural rubber latex.
If a Nexcare™ product is made with natural rubber latex, it will say so on the front of the package.
Yes, remove the outer bag before heating and follow the instructions on the product for heating or cooling. Carefully check the pack for leaks, and insert it in the cover or wrap it in cloth. Check for desired temperature by carefully placing the covered pack against your forearm. If it's too hot, let it cool. When comfortable, apply the pack to the desired area.
Cold therapy is recommended for the first 48 hours following an injury.
Use Nexcare™ Tegaderm™ Waterproof Transparent Dressings. This waterproof dressing seals out water, dirt and germs, and stays on in the shower or bath. If the Tegaderm™ Dressing is covering an IV site, use an additional covering so that water does not enter the IV site by the catheter.
If your skin has a tendency to react to adhesive, try our line of Sensitive Skin Products. They were designed for easy removal and are repositionable. Available in a bandage, tape, dressing and eye patch.