Surgical Tape, Fixation & Sports Tape.

How to choose the right tape

Choosing “a roll of tape” may sound simple, but the material determines both how well it adheres and how the skin feels afterwards. Here we clarify the differences.

Medical tape: Paper or textile?

Within healthcare, adhesive tapes are mainly divided into two categories:

• Paper tape (e.g. Omnipor): This is the first choice for dressing wounds on sensitive skin, elderly patients or the face. Paper tape is microporous, allowing the skin to breathe, and has a gentler adhesive that reduces the risk of skin damage when removed. Easy to tear by hand.
• Textile tape (e.g. Omniplast): A much stronger woven tape used to secure heavy dressings, probes or tubes that must not come loose. Dirt‑repellent and highly durable, but may be too aggressive for fragile skin.

Suture tape – instead of stitches

Suture tape (often referred to as strips or Omnistrip) is used to close small cuts with straight wound edges.

• Use: The tape is placed across the wound to draw the edges together. This is a pain‑free alternative to suturing and often provides excellent cosmetic results with minimal scarring. Ideal to keep at home for families with children.

Sports tape & rehabilitation

For sports injuries, the focus is not wound care but stabilisation and function.

• Sports tape (Coach tape / Zinc oxide tape): A rigid, non‑elastic tape. The purpose is to restrict joint movement (e.g. a sprained ankle) to prevent painful overextension.
• Kinesiology tape: An elastic, often colourful tape that follows the skin’s movement. Used to microscopically lift the skin, improving circulation and relieving muscle pain without restricting mobility.

Application tips

1. Clean and dry skin: No tape adheres well to moist or oily skin. Clean the area thoroughly (preferably with wound cleansing) and allow it to dry completely.
2. No wrinkles: Apply the tape smoothly without wrinkles in the tape or skin, as these may cause chafing or blisters.
3. Removing tape: Always remove tape slowly and parallel to the skin—not straight up—to minimise pain and skin damage.

Need something to secure? See our Compressions & Dressings category.