Mastisol Liquid Adhesive: Medical Skin Adhesive Guide

Mastisol Liquid Adhesive: Medical Skin Adhesive Guide

Mastisol liquid adhesive is a medical-grade skin adhesive widely used in healthcare settings and by patients at home to secure wound dressings, ostomy appliances, and medical devices. This professional-strength adhesive provides reliable, long-lasting hold even in challenging conditions involving moisture, movement, and extended wear. This guide covers Mastisol's applications, proper use, and safety considerations.

What is Mastisol Liquid Adhesive?

Mastisol is a sterile, liquid medical adhesive manufactured by Ferndale Healthcare. Formulated with gum mastic, styrax, methyl salicylate, and alcohol, it creates a tacky coating on skin that securely bonds medical dressings and devices. Unlike pressure-sensitive adhesives found on standard bandages, Mastisol provides significantly stronger, more durable bonds that resist moisture, perspiration, and friction. It's latex-free, making it suitable for patients with latex allergies.

Medical Applications

• Wound Dressings: Secures gauze, transparent films, and advanced wound care products to skin, particularly on difficult-to-tape areas or high-movement zones.
• Ostomy Appliances: Extends wear time of colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy pouches by reinforcing adhesive bond, especially around pouch edges prone to lifting.
• Tracheostomy Care: Anchors trach tubes and secures dressings around stoma sites where secure attachment is critical.
• EKG/ECG Electrodes: Improves electrode adhesion for extended monitoring, particularly on diaphoretic (sweaty) patients.
• Surgical Drapes: Helps secure drapes to patient skin in operating rooms.
• Athletic Tape: Enhances adhesion of athletic tape and kinesiology tape for sports medicine applications.
• CPAP/BiPAP Masks: Some users apply around mask edges to prevent air leaks, though not FDA-approved for this use.

How to Apply Mastisol

1. Prepare Skin: Clean and dry skin thoroughly. Remove oils, lotions, or residue with alcohol prep pad. Completely dry area before application.
2. Protect Surrounding Skin: Apply only where adhesive is needed. Use gauze or towel to protect adjacent skin from overspray or drips.
3. Apply Thin Layer: Using applicator swab or spray (depending on product format), apply thin, even layer to skin. Don't overapply—thin layer is more effective than thick.
4. Allow to Dry: Let Mastisol dry 30-60 seconds until tacky but not wet. Surface should feel sticky to touch.
5. Apply Dressing/Device: Position and press medical device or dressing firmly onto treated area. Apply pressure for 10-30 seconds to ensure good contact.
6. Smooth Edges: Pay special attention to edges, pressing firmly to seal. Edges are most prone to lifting.

Available Formats

Mastisol Liquid Swabs: Single-use ampules with attached applicator swabs. Sterile, convenient, ideal for individual patient use. Most common format.

Mastisol Liquid Bottle: Multi-use bottles (15ml, 118ml) with separate applicators. More economical for frequent use or clinical settings.

Mastisol Spray: Aerosol format for large areas or difficult-to-reach locations. Provides even coverage but less precise application.

Removal Process

1. Use Medical Adhesive Remover: Apply Detachol, Remove, or similar medical adhesive remover around edges of dressing.
2. Let Solvent Work: Wait 30-60 seconds for adhesive remover to dissolve bond.
3. Gently Peel: Lift dressing slowly and carefully. If resistance felt, apply more adhesive remover—never force.
4. Clean Residue: Remove remaining Mastisol with additional adhesive remover or mineral oil.
5. Wash Skin: Cleanse area with mild soap and water, pat dry.
6. Assess Skin: Check for irritation or damage before reapplying.

Safety Considerations

Flammability Warning: Mastisol contains alcohol and is flammable. Allow to dry completely before exposure to heat sources, electrocautery, lasers, or ignition sources in surgical settings.

Skin Sensitivity: Patch test before first use. Discontinue if redness, rash, or irritation develops. Some individuals may be sensitive to ingredients.

Not for Wound Closure: Mastisol secures dressings to intact skin only. It is not a tissue adhesive for closing wounds.

Avoid Eyes and Mucous Membranes: Keep away from eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If contact occurs, flush with water and seek medical attention.

Proper Ventilation: Use in well-ventilated area. Strong odor due to methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) component.

Mastisol vs. Alternatives

Mastisol vs. Skin-Prep: Skin-Prep (3M) is similar barrier/adhesive product but typically provides less aggressive tack. Mastisol offers stronger, longer-lasting bonds.

Mastisol vs. Compound Tincture of Benzoin: Both are resin-based adhesives. Benzoin is traditional option but Mastisol is considered more effective with better moisture resistance.

Mastisol vs. Medical Tape Alone: Standard medical tape may fail in high-moisture or high-movement areas. Mastisol significantly extends tape adhesion and wear time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Mastisol adhesive last?

Mastisol can maintain adhesive properties for 3-7 days depending on conditions. Moisture, friction, and body location affect longevity. Many ostomy patients report 5-7 day wear time with Mastisol reinforcement.

Is Mastisol safe for sensitive skin?

While formulated for medical use, Mastisol can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Always patch test first. Consider barrier film (Cavilon, Skin-Prep) before Mastisol application to protect sensitive skin.

Can Mastisol be used at home?

Yes. Mastisol is available without prescription at medical supply stores and online. Many patients use it at home for ostomy care, wound dressings, and medical device management.

Does insurance cover Mastisol?

Coverage varies. Some insurance plans and Medicare cover Mastisol as durable medical equipment or ostomy supplies. Check with your insurance provider and get prescription from doctor if required.

What removes Mastisol from skin?

Medical adhesive removers (Detachol, Remove, Uni-Solve) work best. Mineral oil, baby oil, or coconut oil also work but take longer. Never use harsh solvents or force removal—this damages skin.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult healthcare provider before using Mastisol, especially if you have skin conditions, allergies, or questions about appropriate use for your situation.

Mastisol liquid adhesive serves critical roles in medical care, from securing wound dressings to extending ostomy appliance wear time. Understanding proper application and removal ensures safe, effective use. For non-medical adhesive needs, explore our adhesive database.