Dear Editor,

Adhesive tape is used extensively in the hospital environment to attach temporarily different materials to the skin of a patient. A problem arises when it is necessary to remove it. This is usually done by wetting the tape with physiological saline, alcohol, or by just manual force. All these procedures are unable to dissolve its main ingredient, that is, the glue, but instead cause acute and unnecessary pain by uprooting the underlying villi.

I approached this problem by trying to dissolve the glue of adhesive tape or of the lead electrodes of an electrocardiography on my skin and on the skin of volunteers using many different chemical solvents. I chose acetone and ethyl ether for their quick action, safe use, and pleasant odor. The simple measure that each nurse could carry in her or his personal kit a small flask of acetone or ethyl ether would facilitate the easy detachment of any adhesive device by just moistening it with any of these solvents and taking it off painlessly. This will avoid causing additional suffering for the patient, who will be very grateful, and the nurse will prevent the stress of causing pain instead of relieving it.