Del R. Lawson, 3M Medical Solutions Division

Skin is a major factor in the design and performance of wearable devices, but it is often overlooked. When the device is adhered to fragile skin, it is different from adhering to a static substrate or even non-fragile skin. Although fragile skin reminds many people of the elderly and babies, it can affect everyone. Physiological factors, such as the position of the skin on the body (face and eyelids), in addition to pathological (acne, rosacea, etc.), environmental (environmental, mechanical) and milk source (medical treatment, cosmetic procedures) conditions.

Designers should consider the challenge of fragile skin when choosing an adhesive, because it will affect the performance of users and equipment. Before choosing the most effective adhesive for fragile skin, it is important to consider the intended design of the device.

Since a device is a system of smaller components that all need to work together, it is important to first understand the structure, components, applications, and end-user requirements of the device. The following are five key issues that need to be considered when designing a skinning device.

Adhesive skin pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) for wearable devices are divided into three main categories, each of which has its advantages:

For fragile skin, silicone adhesives are known for their gentle adhesion, inert chemistry and painless removal. Since inherently different physical properties can enhance its behavior during application and removal, silicone adhesives are often ideal for applications on fragile skin.

Designing wearable devices for fragile skin presents a series of challenges. By identifying adhesive requirements early and understanding design considerations, you will be able to choose the right adhesive to ensure the normal operation of the equipment while making the end user as comfortable as possible. 

Del R. Lawson is the R&D manager of 3M's medical solutions department. He has more than 25 years of laboratory management, strategic product platform creation and lean Six Sigma operation experience at 3M. His experience involves the creation of new technologies in advanced analytics and sensors, biotechnology solutions and medical adhesives. To learn more about designing devices for fragile skin, download 3M's white paper.

The views expressed in this blog post are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of MedicalDesignandOutsourcing.com or its employees.

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