Review of Nexcare Tegaderm Transparent Dressing

For "road rash" and other abrasion injuries, some scarring is often inevitable, especially if you use ordinary gauze dressings that allow the wound to scab. However, there is now a product available that reduces scabbing and therefore scarring, allowing abrasions to heal much more quickly than they ordinarily would. Nexcare Tegaderm (TM) Transparent Dressing allows provides an ideal, sterile healing environment that blocks dirt and germs while allowing skin to breathe. Nexcare Tegaderm is a bit on the expensive side, especially compared to cheap gauze dressings. For $13.29, you get four dressings, each 4 inches by 4 and ¾ inches. However, the price is definitely worth it. Nexcare Tegaderm requires less frequent changing than traditional gauze dressings. In addition, it minimizes scarring and speeds up the healing process.

Tegaderm has an unusual application process. In order to keep the dressing sterile, there is paper on both sides. Remove the larger paper from the adhesive side, but remember to only touch the smaller paper around the edges; never touch the dressing itself. Once the Tegaderm transparent dressing adheres to the skin, remove the smaller pieces of paper around the edges. At this point, you may also smooth the bandage by gently running your finger across the outer surface.

Nexcare claims that the dressing can remain on wounds for up to seven days. In my experience, you'll most likely want to change the Tegaderm dressing more often, as pus and other fluids can build up underneath the dressing if there is nowhere for it to drain. If possible, leave a tiny crease or "channel" somewhere to facilitate draining. Tegaderm dressings are breathable, but they seem fairly watertight. Also, it is slightly more difficult for Tegaderm to adhere to areas that move a lot, such as the armpit or elbow, so dressings in these places will need to be changed more frequently. Still, Nexcare Tegaderm sticks to these areas much better than gauze dressings.

The only real downside to Tegaderm is that it does begin to smell funny after being left on for a while. To me, this slight inconvenience is more than worth it. I'd rather have fewer scars and put up with a bit of a smell.

Continue to cover your abrasion with Tegaderm until you see new skin; it will be a healthy, bright pink color. At this point, you can remove the dressing. However, be sure to apply sunscreen to the area to avoid premature damage. You will find that using Nexcare Tegaderm Transparent Dressing will allow your road rash and other abrasion injuries to heal much faster than injuries that are allowed to scab. In addition, you will be able to significantly reduce scarring.