Skip to main content

Who is most at risk of Medical Adhesive Related Skin Injuries?

Caring for newborn baby

Steps to reduce the risk of Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injuries

You may not be familiar with term “Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injuries” or “MARSI,” but if you’re a health care provider, it’s likely that you’re familiar with the symptoms, which include allergic dermatitis, folliculitis, skin stripping, irritant contact dermatitis and/or maceration, following removal of medical adhesives.

These complications do not have to be accepted as an unfortunate part of care.

Protecting skin from or MARSI is possible, and there are steps and tools that can help you on your journey to provide the best patient care.

Reducing the risk of MARSI starts with awareness and education

By learning about risk reduction, you can play an important role in reducing incidents of MARSI.

The following are suggested best practices for skin care strategies:

Perform an assessment of skin health

When using medical adhesives, skin should be assessed daily for evidence of damage. This is especially important for those patients who are at higher risk for MARSI.

Try to have good lighting and check the skin for color, texture, uniformity of appearance and integrity and be sure to gather a history of patients’ allergies and sensitivities.

Extra precautions may be necessary, such as using a gentler tape as well as barrier product.

Be aware of those most at risk for MARSI

Various factors can influence the risk of skin injury, such as age-related factors, the presence of dermatological conditions or other underlying medical conditions, malnutrition, dehydration, prolonged exposure to moisture, certain medications, radiation therapy, photo-damage, and previous use of adhesive products.

Some patients are particularly susceptible to MARSI, including:

  • Elderly
  • Premature and newborn Infants
  • Orthopedic surgery patients
  • Those with chronic skin conditions
  • Those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, infection, renal insufficiency, immunosuppression, venous insufficiency or hypertension.
  • Oncology patients
  • Steroid-dependent patients
  • Dialysis patients
  • ICU patients
  • Patients undergoing radiation treatments
  • Patients suffering from malnutrition and/or dehydration

You can give all these patients the best possible care by selecting products based on the performance required for each application to help minimize the risk of MARSI.

For more information about MARSI and to find out how to choose the right tape click here.

About the Author

[enBio=Across the globe, 3M helps companies and individuals succeed every day. All while contributing to true global sustainable development through environmental protection, corporate and social responsibility and economic progress. We are applying our science to make a real impact in every person's life around the world.],[enJob=Science. Applied to Life.],[frBio=Chaque jour, 3M aide les entreprises et les gens à réussir. Tout cela en contribuant au développement durable réel par le biais de la protection de l'environnement, la responsabilité sociale en entreprise et le progrès économique. Nous appliquons notre science afin de faire une différence réel dans la vie de chaque personne dans le monde.],[frJob=Science. Au service de la Vie.]

Profile Photo of 3M Canada
Contact a 3M representative today.

Leave your contact information so a representative can get in touch with you.

All fields are required.

  • Enter your 10-digit phone number. Numbers only. eg. 5555555555

  • Please provide any additional information you believe would allow us to serve you better.

  • 3M will use your personal information to solely respond to your request and in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

    Opt-in: I would like to receive electronic messages, which may include promotions, product information and service offers, from 3M. I understand that I may unsubscribe at any time using the opt-out link provided in every electronic message.

    3M takes your privacy very seriously. 3M and its authorized third parties will use the information you provided in accordance with our Privacy Policy to send you communications, which may include promotions, product information and service offers.

Thank you! Your request was submitted successfully. A representative will contact you shortly.