Frequently asked questions

After you have washed the wound area, pat it dry before applying the bandage or wound dressing. After the dressing is 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 length you need. The tape tears easily by hand, so there is 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 tape 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 have the length 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 the 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) on the bandage for 5 minutes or less. Ice will make the adhesive brittle, which may cause it to release.

Nexcare products are available at most drug and grocery stores, mass merchandisers and online. To find a specific product, search for 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 into 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 the temperature is comfortable for you, apply the pack to the affected 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 Nexcare™ Sensitive Skin Products. They were designed for easy removal and are repositionable. Available in a bandage, tape, dressing and eye patch.