How to remove zinc oxide tape

How to remove zinc oxide tape
5 April 2021

How to remove zinc oxide tape

What is Zinc Oxide tape?

Zinc oxide tape is a strong strapping tape that is made of a thin woven cloth and coated with a zinc oxide-based adhesive. It is widely used by athletes, physiotherapists, and within the medical field thanks to it's durability and reliability.

It can be painful to remove zinc oxide tape due to its strong durability and adhesive. This blog will discuss the different removal methods for zinc oxide tape and other alternatives.

 

What is Zinc Oxide tape used for?

Athletes:

One of the benefits of Zinc Oxide tape is that it is constructed from a rigid material and specifically made to stick to the skin. Athletes that participate in high-impact sports use rigid tape for various reasons as sports injuries are likely to occur. It is commonly applied to joints for support and stability and stabilise an injured area, allowing the athlete to continue an activity.

Skin and soft tissue wounds:

Zinc Oxide is a chemical compound used for wound care practices as it has been proven to actively repair wounds by promoting quicker regrowth of the skin. Zinc Oxide tape helps skin and soft tissue injuries as it speeds up wound healing and reduces further complications if the affected area has not healed with a conventional dressing.

Physiotherapy:

Taping is a temporary technique that physiotherapists use for rehabilitation, where support or stability is needed. Taping aims to relieve pain as well as support an injury. The process is employed to facilitate normal muscle movement, reduce strained tissues, and prevent or reduce injuries recurring.

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Things to consider before applying Zinc Oxide tape

There are several contraindications to consider before applying Zinc Oxide tape directly to the skin. Sports taping should be undertaken as part of a wider plan for the treatment and rehabilitation of sports induced injuries. Before applying the Zinc Oxide tape, professionals should consider the following factors:

  • Skin conditions (pre and post tape)
  • Allergies
  • Infections
  • Open wounds
  • Hypermobility syndromes
  • Suspected fractures
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • History of thromboses
  • Undiagnosed lumps and bumps
  • Circulatory issues

 

How to remove Zinc Oxide tape

How to remove Zinc Oxide tape

Peeling the tape off

The most apparent method to remove Zinc Oxide tape is to instantly remove it from the skin by directly peeling it off. Although this sounds like the most straightforward method, it can be painful and leave adhesive residue on the skin. However, you can remove the leftover residue by washing it off with soap and warm water or using a sports tape remover. 

Using underwrap under a stronger tape

Using underwrap under a stronger tape can help protect the skin from the strong adhesive found in most rigid sports tapes. In addition, it allows for easy and less painful removal by creating a barrier between the video and skin.

Our Steroban-U Underwrap is a pre-taping underwrap made from lightweight polyurethane foam, providing additional protection, and padding for sensitive skin or swollen areas. In addition, it increases wearer comfort and prevents chafing and friction by acting like a protective layer over the skin's surface.

Dressing retention tape

Sterofix dressing retention tape is a skin-friendly tape as it has a hypoallergenic adhesive that is ideal for fixing dressings to the skin. It is easy to use and conforms easily to all areas of the body and can be cut to the required size.

Talk to a professional

Although there are a few valuable alternatives, professionals should always use clinical reasoning skills to identify what to consider before applying zinc oxide tape. Talking to an expert or getting professionally wrapped by a sports therapist should also be considered to ensure it is done safely and correctly.

When purchasing protective sports equipment, it is essential to consider what method is best for you and what offers the maximum protection.

Check out our tapes and strappings category for more first aid tapes that are the perfect addition to any first aid kit. If you would like more information about our sports range, call us on 0161 902 3030 or email enquiries@steroplast.co.uk. You can also request a call back with one of our friendly experts by using the form below:

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