Tape Reactions

Most tape reactions are not allergic reactions.

Many patients list “allergy to tape.” Are they correct? In addition to allergic contact dermatitis, tapes can cause inflammation from maceration, prior skin damage, physical skin distortion, removal of hair, occlusion of irritants, and barrier damage due to repeated removal of the uppermost layer of stratum corneum. Tape reactions can delay or alter patient care.

Investigators performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2,289,241 electronic medical records and found 9821 patients (0.347%) who listed tape or adhesive as an allergy. Allergy was documented in only two of about 6000 patients patch tested at the Ohio State University Contact Dermatitis center. One was allergic to a generic Band-Aid-type adhesive bandage, and both were allergic to a s…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)