From the Guidelines
The best places on your body to put wellness patches are typically flat, clean areas with minimal hair and good blood circulation, such as the skin of the back, abdomen, upper thighs, and upper arms, as recommended for transdermal patches like testosterone patches 1. When choosing a location for a wellness patch, consider the following factors:
- Flat areas with minimal hair to ensure good adhesion and absorption
- Good blood circulation to facilitate the delivery of active ingredients
- Avoid areas with sensitive skin or potential irritants
- Rotate patch locations to prevent skin irritation The effectiveness of wellness patches depends on good skin contact and proper placement, as the active ingredients need to penetrate the skin barrier to enter your circulatory system. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your particular wellness patch, as placement recommendations can vary significantly between different types and brands. For example, pain relief patches work best directly over the affected area, while hormone or medication patches often have manufacturer-specified locations, such as the skin of the back, abdomen, upper thighs, and upper arms for testosterone patches 1. Additionally, it is essential to consider the properties of an ideal Transdermal Delivery System (TDS), including being non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-allergenic, as well as allowing for quick action and predictable duration 1.
From the Research
Placement of Wellness Patches
The provided studies do not directly address the best places on the body to put wellness patches. However, they do discuss the use of transdermal nicotine patches, which can provide some insight into the placement of similar patches.
- The studies do not specify particular locations on the body for patch placement, but they do mention that the patches are typically applied to the skin and deliver nicotine into the systemic circulation via the skin 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The patches are usually applied to a hairless area of skin, such as the upper arm, chest, or back, to ensure good adhesion and minimize skin irritation 3, 6.
- It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for patch placement and to rotate the patch site daily to avoid skin irritation and ensure consistent drug delivery 3, 6.
Considerations for Patch Placement
When considering the placement of wellness patches, it is crucial to take into account the following factors:
- Skin type and sensitivity: Patches should be applied to areas with minimal skin irritation and sensitivity 3, 6.
- Hairiness: Patches should be applied to hairless areas to ensure good adhesion 3, 6.
- Mobility: Patches should be applied to areas that are not subject to excessive movement or friction, which can cause the patch to detach 3, 6.