Medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) is prevalent, under-recognised and preventable, and can occur in any patient group or setting. When superficial layers of skin are removed by medical adhesive, it not only affects skin integrity, but causes pain, increases risk of infection, and potentially increases wound size and delays healing, all of which reduce patient quality of life. The presence of one or more intrinsic or extrinsic factors increases the risk that MARSI will occur when medical adhesives are used. It is important to assess the patient and skin in order to devise the most appropriate care plan. Prevention can be implemented through steps in four broad categories: skin preparation, selecting appropriate medical adhesives, adhesive product application and adhesive product removal.
