Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injury (MARSI) refers to the red irritated skin that often occurs when medical adhesives are removed. It occurs across all care settings and age groups, and can be a serious complication. However, it’s by no means an inevitable outcome of patient care.
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Learn about 3M solutions designed to protect your patients from Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injuries. -
A consensus report by 23 recognized key opinion leaders covers the state of the science on assessment, prevention and treatment of MARSI.
Explore these informational MARSI videos
What Are the Different Types of MARSI?
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Allergic Contact DermatitisDec 1, 1901Rare, cell-mediated immunologic response to adhesive or backing; typically appears as an area of erythematous, vesicular, pruritic dermatitis; persists for up to a week
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MacerationDec 1, 1901Softening and breaking down of the skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture; increases susceptibility to damage; skin appears wrinkled and white/gray in color
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Irritant Contact DermatitisDec 1, 1901Reaction ranging from erythema and scaling to necrotic burns from non-immunologic damage caused by chemicals in contact with the skin; may appear reddened and swollen
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Skin StrippingDec 1, 1901Removal of one or more layers of the stratum corneum following removal of medical adhesive; stripped skin may appear shiny
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Tension InjuryDec 1, 1901Separation of the epidermis from the dermis as a result of distension of skin under an unyielding adhesive; blisters often develop at the edge of the adhesive
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FolliculitisDec 1, 1901In flammatory reaction in hair follicle caused by shaving or entrapment of bacteria; appears as small, inflamed elevations of skin surrounding hair follicle
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Skin TearDec 1, 1901Wound caused by shear, friction and/or blunt force resulting in separation of skin layers; can be partial- or full-thickness
Help Reduce the Risk of MARSI
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MARSI often occurs through improper selection, application or removal of medical adhesives, causing unnecessary pain, compromising skin integrity, and increasing the risk of infection. You can help reduce the risk of MARSI by following these basic steps:
- Select the appropriate adhesive product
- Properly prepare the skin
- Apply the adhesive product using the appropriate techniques
- Remove the adhesive product using the proper techniques
Explore our products designed to help reduce the risk of MARSI
With an impressive history in developing adhesive solutions, we at 3M have a unique understanding of how adhesives interact with skin. We use that knowledge to develop products to address patient needs in today’s care setting — and reduce the risk of MARSI.
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Dec 1, 1901Gentle tape that both adheres well, is easy to reposition and removes without disrupting fragile skin layers.
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Dec 1, 1901Gentle with high adhesion, this soft tape stretches across and diagonally to accommodate swelling, distension and movement.
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Dec 1, 1901Gentle to skin, breathable with an easy, straight bi-directional tear.
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Dec 1, 1901Provided in new, easy-to-open peel-back packaging for aseptic delivery, this film forms a breathable transparent protective coating between the skin and the adhesive of the securement dressing, device or tape.
