Why Silicone Barrier Films for Adhesive Protection

Medical adhesives—from ostomy barriers to wound dressings to catheter securement devices—create inevitable conflict between secure fixation and skin integrity. Each adhesive removal strips away surface skin cells, particularly damaging for elderly patients, those on steroids or anticoagulants, or anyone with compromised skin. Repeated adhesive trauma causes progressive damage: redness, denudation, skin tears, and painful raw areas that make further adhesive use excruciating or impossible. Alcohol-based skin preps sting on damaged skin and dry it further, exacerbating fragility. Silicone-based barrier films solve this by creating an invisible, breathable protective layer—adhesives bond to the silicone film rather than directly to skin, dramatically reducing trauma during removal while maintaining secure fixation. The alcohol-free formula eliminates stinging on broken or irritated skin, and the quick-drying, transparent film won't interfere with adhesive performance. For anyone using repeated adhesives on fragile or compromised skin, barrier films transform painful, damaging applications into tolerable routine care.

Key Features

• Alcohol-free silicone formula: sting-free application on damaged or irritated skin
• Quick-drying transparent film: ready for adhesive application in seconds
• Breathable barrier: allows moisture vapor transmission while protecting skin
• Adhesive trauma reduction: prevents skin stripping during removal
• Non-irritating formulation: gentle for sensitive and fragile skin
• Fragrance-free: no added scents that might cause reactions
• Individually packaged wipes: single-use format ensures hygiene and portability
• Easy application: convenient wipe format—no separate applicators needed
• Latex-free materials: safe for latex-sensitive users
• Box of 30: monthly supply for daily adhesive users

Benefits

• Prevents redness, denudation, and skin stripping from repeated adhesive use
• Improves comfort under ostomy barriers, wound dressings, and medical tapes
• Supports longer adhesive wear time by protecting underlying skin
• Enables continued adhesive use on compromised or healing skin
• Eliminates stinging pain during application on damaged areas
• Mess-free, portable format ideal for home or clinical settings
• Cost-effective skin protection reduces complications and product waste

Clinical Applications

✓ Ostomy care: protection under barriers for peristomal skin
✓ Wound dressings: barrier under adhesive dressings preventing peri-wound trauma
✓ Catheter securement: protection at catheter tape sites
✓ Incontinence products: under adhesive tabs of briefs or pads
✓ Fragile skin: elderly patients, steroid users, anticoagulant therapy
✓ Radiation therapy: damaged skin requiring continued adhesive use
✓ Frequent dressing changes: wounds requiring daily assessment
✓ Medical device securement: under any adhesive securing medical devices

Usage & Application

For individuals using repeated medical adhesives on ostomy barriers, wound dressings, catheter securement, or any situation where skin protection from adhesive trauma is needed.

When to use barrier wipes:

• Before applying ostomy barriers, especially on irritated peristomal skin
• Under wound dressings when peri-wound skin shows adhesive damage
• At catheter securement sites with tape irritation
• Under any medical adhesive on fragile, elderly, or compromised skin
• When transitioning from damaged skin back to adhesive use
• Preventively on at-risk skin before adhesive trauma develops

To apply:

1. Cleanse the skin area:
   • Remove any previous adhesive products
   • Cleanse skin with appropriate cleanser (water or mild soap)
   • Pat skin completely dry—barrier film requires dry skin for proper application
2. Open individual wipe package:
   • Tear open the single-use packet
   • Remove the pre-moistened wipe
3. Apply barrier film:
   • Wipe the moistened towelette across the skin area where adhesive will be applied
   • Use smooth, even strokes to create uniform coverage
   • Ensure complete coverage of areas that will contact adhesive
   • One wipe typically covers peristomal area, wound perimeter, or catheter site
4. Allow to dry completely:
   • Wait 30-60 seconds for the film to dry
   • The film dries to a transparent, non-tacky finish
   • Skin should feel smooth and slightly silky, not sticky
   • Do NOT apply adhesive products until film is completely dry
5. Apply adhesive product:
   • Once dry, apply ostomy barrier, wound dressing, tape, or other adhesive product as usual
   • The silicone film won't interfere with adhesive bonding
   • Adhesive will bond to the protective film rather than directly to skin

Application tips:

• Coverage area: One wipe covers approximately 50-75 cm² (equivalent to a 7×7 cm or 3×3 inch area)
• Multiple areas: Use separate wipes for different body sites to maintain hygiene
• Reapplication: Not necessary to remove old barrier film—it wears away naturally. Simply apply fresh film before each new adhesive application
• Frequency: Apply before each adhesive application for maximum protection

How the barrier film works:

• Creates a transparent protective layer on skin surface
• Adhesive bonds to the silicone film, not to skin cells
• During removal, adhesive releases from the film layer, sparing underlying skin
• Film remains on skin even after adhesive removal, continuing to protect
• Gradually wears away over 1-3 days with washing and normal skin turnover

For ostomy care specifically:

1. Cleanse and dry peristomal skin thoroughly
2. Apply barrier wipe to entire area where barrier will adhere (typically 2-3 inches around stoma)
3. Allow to dry completely (critical—wet film prevents barrier adhesion)
4. Apply ostomy barrier as usual
5. The protective film helps prevent skin damage from barrier removal and may extend wear time

For wound care specifically:

1. Cleanse wound per protocol
2. Apply barrier wipe to intact peri-wound skin (not in the wound itself)
3. Allow to dry completely
4. Apply wound dressing as usual
5. Protective film reduces trauma to peri-wound skin during dressing changes

Storage: Keep wipes in original packaging at room temperature. The individually sealed format maintains product integrity until use.

Important notes:

• Do NOT apply to open wounds—barrier film is for intact skin only
• Do NOT use as a skin sealant or liquid bandage—this is a protective film under adhesives
• Some adhesives may require slightly longer application pressure when used over barrier film
• If adhesive performance seems reduced, ensure barrier film was completely dry before adhesive application
• Barrier film does not replace proper skin care—continue appropriate cleansing and moisturizing routines

Technical Specifications

• Product type: Skin barrier protective wipes
• Active ingredient: Silicone-based protective film
• Formulation: Alcohol-free (no-sting formula)
• Drying time: 30-60 seconds to transparent, non-tacky finish
• Film characteristics:
  • Breathable (allows moisture vapor transmission)
  • Transparent/invisible when dry
  • Flexible—moves with skin
  • Waterproof protection
• Duration: Film persists through adhesive removal and gradually wears away over 1-3 days
• Coverage: Approximately 50-75 cm² per wipe
• Scent: Fragrance-free
• Irritation: Non-irritating, suitable for damaged or compromised skin
• Application site: Intact skin only (peri-stoma, peri-wound, under tapes/dressings)
• Packaging: Individually wrapped single-use wipes
• Sterility: Non-sterile
• Quantity: 30 wipes per box
• Latex status: Not made with natural rubber latex
• Hypoallergenic: Formulated for sensitive skin
• Brand: Coloplast
• Shelf life: Check packaging for expiration date