uk-flag
Polar seal logo

Understanding Skin Adhesive Variability Across Different Climates & Age Groups

Wound dressing being applied to arm.
Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Introduction

    Skin adhesives are essential for various medical devices, from wound care to wearables however they often perform differently across the world due to variations in climate and the corresponding effects on skin. In addition, skin in different age groups has different properties and requirements. Understanding these intricacies will help you produce high quality medical devices that meet the demands of customers across regions and age groups.

    Here’s an overview of how different climates and skin types affect the performance of skin adhesives:

    Climate Impact on Skin Adhesive Performance

    Hot and Humid Climates

      • Challenges: In hotter and more humid regions, skin tends to exude more moisture in the form of sweat. This can cause certain adhesives to lose their stickiness and lift prematurely.
      • Adhesive Solutions: Silicone adhesives are a good choice for products sold in hot or humid regions due to their moisture-resistant properties. These adhesives maintain adhesion even if skin is moist, reducing the likelihood of lifting.
      • Backing Considerations: Breathable backings that allow air to circulate can improve the longevity of the adhesive.

    Cold Climates

        • Challenges: In cold environments, the adhesive can sometimes harden, losing stickiness as a result.
        • Adhesive Solutions: Rubber-based or even some acrylic adhesives can maintain their flexibility at lower temperatures. These adhesives provide a consistent bond even at lower temperatures.
        • Backing Considerations: Insulating backings helps to maintain a more stable temperature for the adhesive, leading to enhanced durability at lower temperatures.

    Dry Climates

      • Challenges: Skin dehydration is common in dry climates and can reduce adhesion strength.
      • Adhesive Solutions: Hydrophilic adhesives maintain adhesion even on dry skin. These adhesives help to prevent further drying and irritation.
      • Backing Considerations: Incorporating hydrating agents within the adhesive can improve the performance of adhesives in dryer regions.

    Age Group Considerations

    Older Skin

      • Challenges: Aging skin is typically thinner, more fragile and less elastic, making it prone to tears and damage.
      • Adhesive Solutions: Gentle, low-tack silicone adhesives are well suited for older patients. They provide secure adhesion while allowing for painless removal.
      • Backing Considerations: Soft, cushioned backings help to distribute pressure evenly and protect older skin.

    Younger Skin

        • Challenges: Younger skin tends to be more resilient but can still suffer from irritation if inappropriate adhesives are used.
        • Adhesive Solutions: Hypoallergenic adhesives that are breathable and flexible are ideal for younger skin, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort.
        • Backing Considerations: Flexible, lightweight backings that move with the skin enhance comfort and adhesive performance.

    The Importance of Dedicated Medical Manufacturing Expertise

    Understanding the intricacies of how skin adhesives perform differently across regions and skin types is crucial for developing durable, high quality medical devices. This is where partnering with a converter like PolarSeal, that is 100% dedicated to manufacturing for the medical industry, gives you an advantage. PolarSeal’s deep expertise in the medical industry ensures you benefit from:

    • Tailored Solutions: Custom adhesive formulations and materials are selected to match specific skin types and environmental conditions.
    • Optimized Processes: Manufacturing processes are optimized to enhance the performance, safety and comfort of your medical device.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Navigating regulatory standards ensures your medical devices are compliant from the start and get to market quicker.
    • Material Partner Versatility: PolarSeal works with many adhesive coaters and tape manufacturers, allowing for the combination of various suppliers’ tapes within one device. This approach ensures that the optimum solution can always be selected and enables supply contingency planning.

    Conclusion

    The performance of skin adhesives in medical devices can vary significantly based on climate and skin type. By partnering with PolarSeal, medical device companies benefit from our unrivalled medical device expertise and efficient processes. Our 100% dedication to manufacturing for the medical industry ensures your products meet the demands of consumers across regions and age groups, are compliant from the start and get to market as quickly as possible.

    RELATED CONTENT