During dressing changes for a dime-sized ulcer under adhesive tape, which should be used to secure the wound?

• A. Elastic net
• B. Topper dressing
• C. Solid skin barrier
• D. Rolled gauze

Answer: (C)

Protecting the skin around the wound from adhesive trauma is the key idea here. A solid skin barrier is placed on the periwound skin before securing the dressing. This barrier creates a nonadhesive, protective surface between the tape and fragile skin, so the adhesive won’t pull or tear when the dressing is changed. It also helps manage moisture and keeps the dressing in place by giving the tape a smooth, durable surface to grip without sticking to the wound itself. Other methods don’t shield the delicate skin from adhesive as effectively: an elastic net can hold a dressing but doesn’t prevent adhesive trauma; a topper dressing sits over the wound but doesn’t protect the surrounding skin from the tape; rolled gauze can irritate or constrict and may not secure a small ulcer reliably.