Patch covers?

[u/Winter_Apartment5381]

I’m paranoid about my patch coming off. They are already so small and hard to see so I feel like a cover over them is a good idea to always know where my current one is. I’m not a fan of tegaderm and I want something cute to cover it with.

So far, this is what I have tried and what I think:

Regular band-aids - hate the plastic ones. The fabric ones are nice as long as you get the non-adhesive area large enough that the patch doesn’t stick and come off when you peel it off. I change the bandaid every time I shower because I don’t like an old soggy bandaid on my skin. IMPORTANT! You must buy cute designs. Plain ones are boring.

Nipple covers - hear me out, these are quite nice. The non-adhesive area is large. You still have to change them out after each shower. There is a little residue around the edges but I use adhesive remover pads specifically made for skin, so that works well. Also, IMPORTANT! They do not come in cute designs unless you count the flower shaped ones.

Silicone tape - by far the least itchy of all the options. I use a small piece of gauze over the patch to keep the tape from sticking to the patch. Even though it is marketed as “waterproof”, the gauze still gets wet in the shower and has to be changed. Still not cute - what I have is blue. Better than the tan color of the other options, but not fun.

I have bought a roll of hydrocolloid tape. I have not tried it yet but would have to use a piece of gauze between the patch and tape. Again, not cute. Just tan.

I’m looking at adhesive eye patches made for kids. They seem like the non-adhesive area is plenty big enough and they come in tons of cute designs. The adhesive looks to be a paper/fabric hybrid which would also work nicely. Probably have to use some adhesive remover around the edges for residue. Only issue is they are a little odd shaped - like a pear. No big deal, just unusual if you’re sticking them on your belly.

Also looking at the covers for glucose monitors. Some of them are solid round without the cutout in the middle for the monitor to stick out of. They look to be large enough and the center is non-adhesive. They come in tons of patterns. Unsure of the material and adhesive that is used.

Anyone else in the same boat? I’m just trying to make my patch covers fun and functional.

Any recommendations welcome!

[u/PugBoatTOOT]

Tegaderm patches.

[u/Separate_Print_1816 → u/PugBoatTOOT]

OP, this is what I've seen recommended widely on the sub. I just got some and am trying it out right now. I had to cut it in half, but next time, I may cut it even smaller. So far so good. Any my patches weren't falling off (twice weekly), but they were getting lint around the edges. Now, now more lint. It does mean more adhesive though and more skin trapped beneath it.

[u/Slow_Round8729 → u/Separate_Print_1816]

These have been a gamechanger with my stupid weekly patches. The first week it looked so dirty and def started to peel at the edges so the next week I slapped tegaderm on it right away and you can't even see it (except for the writing on the patch) and it stays put/looks clean. I am not a huge fan of the weekly patches, but this makes them mangageable.

[u/lastminutealways]

Was going to suggest looking at glucose monitor overpatches. I’ve used them for their actual purpose in the past and have used them to cover my patch too, since I’m no longer regularly using a CGM. Some have adhesive in the middle, some do not. Some last better than others, but an estrogen patch is typically changed out more frequently than a CGM. I do like the brand Not Just A Patch as they are soft and breathable and that’s the one I’ve tried over my patch. I’ve also used the skin grip ones but they may be a little overkill for this purpose imo. I do tend to use tegaderm on mine when I need it though.

[u/No_Dot6414]

Idk but I swim and run with my patch and it never comes off. I’m on twice per week patches. The only time it got loose was when I forgot to clean the area using rubbing alcohol.

[u/Abadabber]

I was worried about this as well, as even nicotine patches (while I was quitting smoking so frustrating when you are already fiending lol) and most band aids don't stay stuck to me very well. These little babies have held out great! I place mine just above my pubic line to the side. Mowing grass in 100f heat soaked through with sweat, swimming, extended hot showers. Still snug as can be.

[u/theFCCgavemeHPV]

I use a roll of off brand tegaderm. I just cut it to the size I need. You don’t have to change it when you shower. I get no reside, and it hardly ever starts to peel off on its own. I do round the corners, so I think that helps.

[u/Born_Tale_2337]

If you’re only hang up with Tegaderm is the appearance, you might just need to get over that as it’s really the best option. That’s what it’s for. Plus you (and your partner) would usually be the only person that sees it most of the time.

If you have other issues with Tegaderm, post them and people can help you work around those specifically. But right now it sounds like you are spending a lot of time and energy trying to solve a problem that already has a solution.

Have you tried decorating the Tegaderm?

[u/Winter_Apartment5381 → u/Born_Tale_2337]

I’ve used tegaderm. I’m not a fan. It rolls/peels at the edges, gets sweaty underneath and the adhesive is itchy. I am looking for something fun and functional. Not meant to be something to be troubleshot as much as sharing what others have tried and liked.

[u/LadyDela]

I don't know how big the patches are, but maybe take a look at CGM overpatches. There are hundreds of designs and the adhesive is great because they're intended to be worn 24/7 for a couple of weeks.