SKIN PREP WIPES

Preparing the skin before attaching an adhesive dressing, stoma appliance, or adhesive medical device improves adhesion and protects the skin from the trauma of repeated adhesive contact. A skin prep wipe deposits a thin protective film on the skin surface in a single application step, creating a consistent adhesive surface and a barrier between the skin and the adhesive. Skin-Prep is a skin barrier wipe from Smith & Nephew for adhesive preparation and skin protection. Pack of 50 individually wrapped wipes. No prescription required.

Skin-Prep is a skin care product from Smith & Nephew. It is a single-use wipe containing a film forming polymer solution with an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) carrier. When the wipe is applied to the skin surface, the IPA carrier evaporates rapidly, leaving a thin, transparent, flexible polymer film on the skin. This film acts as a protective barrier between the skin and adhesive products applied over it, and creates a consistent, clean surface for adhesive attachment.

Skin-Prep is one of the original and established skin barrier prep wipes in UK clinical practice. It has been used widely for stoma care, wound dressing preparation, and adhesive medical device application. The IPA carrier in Skin-Prep evaporates quickly and produces a rapid-drying film. The alcohol content also provides an antimicrobial effect on the skin surface at the moment of application, removing transient microorganisms before the adhesive product is attached.

The film deposited by Skin-Prep protects the skin from the direct adhesive contact that can, over repeated applications and removals, cause mechanical skin trauma, stripping, and breakdown. When a stoma appliance or adhesive dressing is attached over the Skin-Prep film, the adhesive bonds to the film surface rather than the skin. At removal, the adhesive separates from the film surface, reducing the direct mechanical stress on the skin below.

Skin-Prep is supplied in a box of 50 individually wrapped wipes. Each wipe is sealed in its own individual pouch, keeping it saturated and ready for use until opened. The individual wrapping also supports single-use practice and reduces cross-contamination risk in clinical settings.

Skin-Prep contains isopropyl alcohol. It may cause a stinging or burning sensation when applied to broken, irritated, or sensitive skin. For patients who experience discomfort on application to compromised skin, an alcohol free alternative such as Secura No Sting Skin Prep Wipe may be more appropriate. Avoid contact with eyes. For external skin use only. Allow the film to dry before applying any adhesive product. Do not use near naked flames.

IPA Carrier and Rapid Film Formation

The isopropyl alcohol carrier in Skin-Prep evaporates within seconds of application to the skin surface. This rapid evaporation leaves the film forming polymer deposited as a continuous layer on the skin. The speed of drying is a practical advantage: the patient or clinician can apply the wipe and proceed to attach the adhesive product very quickly. The IPA also cleans the skin surface as it evaporates, removing surface oils and moisture that could otherwise interfere with adhesive bonding.

Protective Barrier Film

The dried polymer film creates a physical barrier on the skin surface. When an adhesive stoma appliance, wound dressing, or other adhesive medical product is attached over the film, the adhesive bonds to the film surface rather than to the skin directly. The film is flexible and moves with the skin during normal activity without cracking. At removal, the adhesive releases from the film rather than from the skin, reducing the mechanical trauma of repeated adhesive removal that is a common cause of peristomal and periwound skin breakdown.

Adhesion Improvement

The smooth, dry polymer film surface provides a consistent base for adhesive attachment. Skin surfaces vary in texture, moisture content, and the presence of surface oils, all of which can affect how reliably an adhesive bonds. The Skin-Prep film standardises the surface presented to the adhesive, supporting more reliable and consistent adhesion throughout the wear period. This is particularly important for stoma appliances, where a reliable seal is needed to prevent leakage.

Antimicrobial Effect at Application

The isopropyl alcohol in Skin-Prep provides a brief antimicrobial effect on the skin surface at the moment of application. As the IPA evaporates, it reduces the population of transient microorganisms on the skin surface. This is a supplementary benefit of the IPA carrier rather than the primary function of the product. The primary function is film formation for skin barrier protection and adhesion preparation.

Skin Preparation

• Ensure the skin is clean before applying Skin-Prep.
• Remove any previous adhesive residue from the skin surface.
• Dry the skin if it is wet or moist.

Application

• Tear open the individual sealed pouch and remove the wipe.
• Apply the wipe to the skin in gentle, even strokes across the area to be prepared.
• Cover the full skin surface that will be in contact with the adhesive product.
• Allow the film to dry completely. In normal conditions this takes a few seconds.
• Do not touch the prepared skin area before attaching the adhesive product.

After Application

• Attach the stoma appliance, adhesive dressing, or adhesive device over the dried film.
• Dispose of the used wipe. Single use only.

Allow Skin-Prep to dry fully before attaching an adhesive product. The IPA needs to evaporate completely before the film is in its final dry state. Attaching an adhesive over a film that has not fully dried may reduce adhesion effectiveness.

Skin-Prep: Pack of 50 Wipes

Skin-Prep is available in a box of 50 individually wrapped wipes (REF #59420425). Each wipe is sealed in an individual foil pouch, keeping it saturated until opened. The pack of 50 provides a supply suited to regular use in home stoma care, community wound care, and clinical settings where skin barrier preparation is performed routinely. One wipe is used per skin preparation application.

When Not to Use Skin-Prep

• Broken, irritated, or sensitive skin where IPA stinging would cause discomfort. Consider an alcohol free alternative.
• Eyes and mucous membranes.
• Open wounds or significantly damaged skin.
• Known sensitivity to isopropyl alcohol or the film forming polymer.

Precautions

• For external skin use only.
• Single use per wipe. Dispose of wipe after use.
• Allow the film to dry before applying adhesive products.
• Do not use near naked flames or ignition sources.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Adverse Effects

• Stinging or burning sensation on application to broken or sensitive skin due to the IPA content.
• Skin sensitivity reaction to IPA or the polymer components in susceptible individuals.
• If persistent irritation or skin reaction develops, discontinue use and seek clinical guidance.

Clinical Uses of Skin-Prep

• Peristomal skin preparation before colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy appliance attachment, where regular adhesive contact requires skin barrier protection
• Skin preparation before adhesive wound dressings, film dressings, and island dressings where skin prep improves adhesion and reduces skin trauma at removal
• Preparation before adhesive medical devices such as ECG electrodes, continuous glucose monitors, and other devices attached with adhesive
• Adults and children on intact skin, with care on fragile or sensitive skin due to the alcohol content

Skin-Prep vs Secura No Sting Wipe

Skin-Prep and Secura No Sting Skin Prep Wipe are both Smith & Nephew skin barrier prep wipes that deposit a protective polymer film on the skin before adhesive products. The key difference is the formulation. Skin-Prep contains isopropyl alcohol as the carrier solvent. The IPA dries quickly and provides a brief antimicrobial effect, but it may sting on broken or sensitive skin. Secura No Sting Wipe uses an alcohol free carrier and does not sting on application. For patients with intact skin where stinging is not a concern, Skin-Prep is a well-established, widely used option. For patients with sensitive, irritated, or fragile skin, Secura No Sting Wipe is the more appropriate choice.

Skin-Prep does not require a prescription. The pack of 50 individually wrapped wipes is available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on Skin-Prep and on the full range of skin barrier prep products from Smith & Nephew, including guidance on whether Skin-Prep or an alcohol free alternative is more appropriate for a specific patient's skin condition.

For patients with significant peristomal skin breakdown or persistent skin problems from adhesive products, seek clinical assessment from a stoma nurse or tissue viability nurse alongside product purchase.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep individual wipes in their sealed pouches until use.
• Do not use if the individual pouch seal is broken.
• Keep away from naked flames and sources of ignition.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Skin-Prep is a genuine Smith & Nephew product stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on Skin-Prep and on the full range of Smith & Nephew skin prep and barrier products for stoma care, wound management, and adhesive medical device preparation.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Skin-Prep Skin Barrier Wipes. REF #59420425. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. NHS. Stoma care: skin care and adhesive preparation. NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Maintaining skin integrity. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed June 2026.