Question re: patches

[Debb]

I am having a heckuva time making my current patches stick to my skin. I take every precaution, but they are literally peeling right off.

I have tried a few different medical tapes, and I can't make anything work. Does anyone have recommendations? I don't want to waste these patches if I don't have to.

[Joan_CD]

I have never had a problem with them sticking, even when taking a hot bath. I place them just below the top of my panties, below my belly button and alternate right and left side every change. Before putting them on I clean the area with alcohol. Don't know if that would help you.

[Debb]

Nah, I have the routine down. I learned after the first time: clean, very dry, hairless skin. In a not-flexible place on my body so as to lessen wrinkling, etc.

I think it's just this batch. I may see if they can be exchanged.

[Badtranny]

If applying after a warm shower and giving it a blast of hot hair dryer doesn't work, then request a different brand of patches.

I've tried the Climara and Estradiol and by far the Estradiol is the best between them. The patches are small and they stick great.

[Eryn]

You didn't say if you are using once-a-week or twice-a-week patches, but for me the twice-a-week patches worked much better. They are physically smaller so they don't wrinkle as badly and they only have to last three or four days rather than seven. Until last December they were under patent under the trade name Vivelle Dot, but are now available in generic versions from Mylan and Sandoz which makes them more palatable to insurers.

If you have any hair at all (even fine vellus hair) run an epilator over the new patch site to clean it off. Then wipe it with rubbing alcohol, let dry, and apply the patch. I don't like the patches sticking to my underwear, so I cut a rectangle of Saran Wrap slightly larger than the patch and apply it over the top. Any goo that oozes out sticks to the wrap, not to my undies. Location does matter, and I have a sweet zone of my upper buttocks that seems to work well.

[dreamer_2.0]

Where are you placing them? I'm using two patches and switch every three days. I've only been usin them for about two months but have noticed that they stick best directly on the front of my thighs whereas they came off quite easily on the inner and outer areas. Tried my butt though it didn't go well. First pair I stuck on was on the outside of my shoulders. This was ignorance however as they shouldn't be placed there. They were quite awkward here and hindered my arm movement slightly. And because I move my arms a lot, they rubbed and came off quite easily. Front of the thighs have been nearly perfect though they do lose some stick around the edges by the time to change them.

Do you maybe have oily skin? Would a bit of rubbing alcohol on the area before sticking help at all?

[Debb]

I use the Estradiol patches, twice per week. I am currently using two at a time.

They generally do stick very well, which is why I think that I got a bad batch.

I put them on various spots on my abdomen. I have dry skin, and am very careful about making sure the skin is smooth-shaved, dirt-free, and dry. It's just this latest batch that's coming loose really easy.

[Sandra1746]

Hi Deborah,
Welcome to the sometimes frustrating world of patches. I have used the CLIMARA brand in all strengths for over 3-years and have learned how to cope.
The key concerns are to select a place where clothing will not rub, make sure it is hairless and clean and dry. A rubdown with alcohol and then drying with a tissue is my routine. Apply the patch and hold it in place with your palm for a minute; this is said to warm the adhesive and promote sticking. I then cover the patch with a BIG super-stick Bandaid. The BANDAID brand "tough strips" work for me in size 1 3/4"x4". You may need to pay close attention to rotating the application site as some people are sensitive to the adhesive.
I like patches for several reasons; but YMMV.
Good luck,
Sandra1746

[becky77]

Must be a bad batch, I used Estradoil patches and they don't budge.
Brand name of mine were Estradot.

[I Am Paula]

I've been using Estradot for 2 1/2 years, and only had two fall off. Try a fresh box.