
3M Nexcare is a brand of waterproof bandages used to protect wounds, ostomy stomas, and to secure various types of medical tubing. They provide a strong hold while still being gentle on skin during removal. These bandages can also be used to keep items like IV catheters, post-surgical dressings, or other forms of tubing in the proper place. 3M makes liquid varities that are sprayed or brushed onto the wound, which are ideal for people with adhesive allergies.
A Tegaderm Bandage is a transparent dressing that protects wounds and keeps bacteria from entering the cut or burn. The clear material allows you to monitor the condition of your skin and will not stick to the wound. Its flexible material absorbs exudate to reduce the risk of infection and skin breakdown. This also provides moisture to help the wound heal properly. Many Tegaderm dressings are waterproof and can be worn for up to seven days.
If you prefer a non-adhesive wound dressing, you can secure it with a compression wrap or Sterile Gauze. Non-adherent dressings are beneficial in that they absorb fluid without sticking to skin or exudate. This decreases the risk of damage to the affected area and allows for quick healing. It is also a pain-free solution because you do not have to peel off an adhesive product that may pull the skin or hair. Adhesive-free dressings are just as absorbent as adhesive varieties and can usually be worn for longer periods of time.
Another helpful product from 3M is the Stomaseal colostomy dressing, which absorbs stomal output and protects against leaks. It can absorb up to ten times its weight, yet is thin and discreet. Express Medical Supply sells a variety of Ostomy Accessories that aid in managing your ostomy and make it easier to care for. Items like air release vents and pouch liners help relieve uncomfortable gas and pouch ballooning. Keeping your stoma in healthy condition is another important part of ostomy care. Using aloe-infused skin wipes helps keep your stoma moisturized and prevents irritation.
Before applying any wound dressing or ostomy product, it is important to disinfect the skin with an Antiseptic Skin Cleanser. It helps reduce any residue or bacteria from the skin. This helps reduce infection and allows any adhesive products to form a stronger bond to the skin. We carry alcohol prep pads as well as alcohol-free solutions. Antispetics such as povidone-iodine and benzalkonium still disinfect the skin but do not cause any burning sensation due to the absence of alcohol.