Safely wear: simple rules for patches, compression and other medical wearables

Wearing a medical patch or compression item wrong can cause irritation, reduced effect, or even harm. Want to avoid blisters, skin reaction, or a patch that falls off during the day? These are the practical steps I follow and recommend.

First, always follow the product instructions and your prescriber's directions. Prescription patches (like antidepressant or pain patches), nicotine or hormone patches, compression stockings, and devices such as continuous glucose monitors all have specific rules. Treat each item as medicine, not just clothing.

Prep and placement

Start with clean, dry skin. Wash the area with mild soap, rinse well, and dry completely. Avoid creams, oils, or lotions where the adhesive will sit—these reduce stickiness. For patches, pick a flat area with little friction: upper arm, chest, or hip depending on the product. Rotate sites daily to prevent irritation and thinning of the skin.

Do not cut patches unless the manufacturer says it’s safe. Cutting can change how the drug is released and make dose unpredictable. For compression stockings or sleeves, measure properly—too tight causes numbness, too loose defeats the purpose. Put them on in the morning before swelling builds up.

During wear: what to watch for

Avoid heat over patches. Hot showers, heating pads, saunas, or sunbathing can increase drug absorption and cause side effects. If you exercise heavily and sweat a lot, check that the adhesive is holding; reapply only with approved tape or replacement patches supplied by the maker.

Check daily for redness, blistering, or itching. Mild redness that fades after removal is common, but intense burning, raised rash, or spread beyond the patch edge means remove it and call your clinician. If you feel unusual dizziness, extreme drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, or breathing trouble after applying a patch, remove it and seek medical help.

For devices like CGMs or insulin pumps, follow manufacturer guidance on waterproofing, MRI safety, and replacement schedules. Many devices should be removed for strong water immersion or imaging scans—double-check before travel or hospital visits.

When removing adhesives, peel slowly and use one hand to support the skin. If the adhesive is stubborn, use medical adhesive remover or baby oil to loosen it. Clean the site and let it breathe a bit before placing the next patch.

Dispose of used patches safely—fold sticky sides together and throw them away where children and pets can’t reach. Many prescription patches still contain active drug and can harm others if handled.

Quick checklist: clean, dry skin; rotate sites; avoid heat; watch for rash; measure compression correctly; don’t cut patches; store as directed; dispose safely. If you’re ever unsure, call your pharmacist or prescriber. A short question now saves a lot of trouble later.