MARSI occurs when the attachment of an adhesive to the skin is stronger than the attachment between skin cells.

 As a consequence, adhesive removal results in detachment of a certain amount of superficial epidermal cell layers. Repeated application and removal of adhesives to the skin compromises the integrity of its barrier, initiating inflammation and slowing the wound healing response.

Besides mechanical injury, medical adhesives can induce dermatitis (either irritant or allergic), and other types of skin damage, such as maceration of folliculitis.

There are several factors that can influence the risk of MARSI such as age-related physiologic factors that exert a significant impact on a patient’s susceptibility, being the elderly and neonates the most vulnerable age groups to skin (epidermal) stripping. Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, infection, renal insufficiency, immunosuppression, venous insufficiency, venous hypertension, peristome varices also increase susceptibility to MARSI.

Preventing these skin injuries is possible by following a set of guidelines on the correct usage of medical adhesives, but it is even more effective with adhesives that do not cause damage or pain upon removal. This will positively impact health and daily routine, as well as it can relieve the already restrained healthcare services.

This is where BH4U gets in

and develops this innovative typology of adhesives that seeks to guarantee new antiseptic properties, regenerative and adhesion disorders, in order to prevent and/or treat skin lesions associated with the use of conventional medical adhesives. Bio2Skin Advanced binds to the skin through hydrogen and Van der Waals bonds, offering mild adhesion to skin and ensuring a safe and complete removal without damaging the integrity of the skin. It also creates a protective barrier against infections and helps the skin recover from MARSI. The combination of highly biocompatible polymers of Bio2Skin Advanced respects the skin and avoids irritation and allergy problems even under continuous or chronic use.