United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi. I'm new to this board and have a daughter with paralysis problems (not brachial plexus actually, but leg problems secondary to a spinal tumor). We've been trying some use of kinesio tape and it seems to help, but last time she had some skin reaction problems when we took the tape off. We simply used Target brand bay oil to soak the tape, but I understand that there might be better options. I have also heard that painting the skin with milk-of-magnesia prior to tape application might help.

Anyway, another web site suggested coming to ubpn.org and asking this group of parents for suggestions. So... here I am. Any help will be greatfully appreciated.

Thanks,
David

No personal experience, but I've heard about using benadryl lotion also to paint the skin with prior to the tape....

I've been trying to search on the Internet for you for some information.

This is one thing that I found:
http://www.kinesiotaping.com/miscFaqSr. ... Key=6036#5

5. How is the tape applied?

Without getting too technical, the tape is applied over the affected area with the muscles in a stretched position. Then the tape is applied from one end of the muscle to the other with very little to no stretch of the tape. The tape is applied from the ORIGIN to INSERTION of the muscle for SUPPORT and from INSERTION to ORIGIN for REHAB.

6. What are the concerns or difficulties with Kinesio Taping® (Trouble Shooting)?

A) Skin needs to be free of oil, sweat, or lotion prior to application
B) After application rub down tape to activate heat sensitive glue
C) Avoid extreme stretching of the tape during application to avoid skin irritation
D) Apply approx. 1 hr prior to activity or shower to allow glue to adhere properly
E) Skin irritation is extremely rare, but special care should be taken with hypersensitive skin patients.

Keep asking and searching. I'm sorry I don't have more vor you, but maybe someone else has some information to help you. Did you ask your doctor or therapist?

Peggy

David,

Hi! We've been using Kenesio tape on our daughter for a few months now and have seen some great results. We had some problems with skin irritation in the beginning as well. I don't know that much about using the Milk of Magnesia to improve removal. Of course, it couldn't hurt to try.

What seems to work well for us is soaking the tape in mineral oil and letting it set for about 15 minutes and then soaking it in water for about 5-10 minutes during her bath.

Another mother from Rowan's therapy clinic swears by a product called Goo Gone - this is also what the Physical Medicine department at Texas Children's recommends. You use the same method as the oil, applying the Goo Gone and letting it soak for 15 minutes or so and then soak in water. You can find this at places like wal-Mart or Eckerds or Home Depot. It is just an adhesive remover that can be used on anything and is supposed to be non-toxic and safe on skin. I haven't tried it yet because Rowan has really sensitive skin and I don't want to irritate it. But, it seems to be the most recommended option.

Also, one thing her therapist seemed to really stress was when removing the tape, rather than pulling the tape from the skin, loosen one end of the tape and then gently pull the skin from the tape. I don't know what the difference really is, but it does seems to help.

Hope this helps and good luck to you and your daughter.
-Stacey

Here's the website for the Goo Gone product if you want to check it out...
http://www.magicamerican.com/googone.shtml

Dear Elbert,

Welcome to this site! We don't use kinesiotape (Maia has major eczema) but I wish your daughter well and hope it works for her. Goo gone! I love it!

-francine
Mom to Maia - age 5

Hi Everybody-

Thanks so much for the responses. Ruby's skin has had a little rest now, so I think we might try more tape at her physical therapy session tomorrow. I'm glad to have a few things to try. I've read the info on goo gone (including the official material safety data sheet) and am trying to decide if it can really be gentle enough (Ruby is only 22 months old and still has pretty tender skin... at least by my old, gruff standards!). I think I'll get some and put it on me for a while and see how I hold up first!

I have to say I've been surprised and really pleased that such light tape seems to have such a big affect. I'm hoping that we can beat the irritation problem and keep using the kinesio.

Thanks again. I'll let folks know if I find out more.

-David

WHEN YOU REMOVE THE TAPE , PUL THE SKIN FROM THE TAPE NOT THE TAPE FROM THE SKIN. THIS SHOULD HELP

What exactly is kenesio tape used for? googone is great !! and also, does excema have anything to do with BPI? Javier has it also, and it doesn't run in our family.

I never take the tape off until it's practically falling off by itself. If the edges come loose, I trim them back until there is little or no tape still left. We have been using tape on/off for a year with no problems.

milk of Mag worked for my little one very well....Apply before taping and let dry completely before using the tape.....(try a litle skin test first to make sure Milk of mag does not irritate)
One of the therapy catalogs (sammons preston or abilitations, can't remember which) has a spray for removal and to help with irritation under the tape.....I have not tried these as the milk O mag worked
Hope this helps