Let’s talk about something almost nobody warns you about when starting peritoneal dialysis.
In fact, they may make you feel like it is the only solution that everyone does…
The tape.
For some people, it’s no big deal.
For many others, it becomes a daily battle of itching, redness, irritated skin, and constantly trying to find a tape that doesn’t leave behind a rash.
If you’ve ever found yourself peeling off tape and wondering why your skin looks angrier than your catheter site, you’re definitely not alone.
Peritoneal dialysis patients use tape for one important reason:
To keep the catheter secure and prevent unnecessary pulling or movement around the exit site.
That part matters.
A well-secured catheter helps protect the exit site and reduces irritation caused by tugging, clothing, or accidental pulls.
The problem?
Tape can be a nightmare even on healthy skin.
Most people have experienced the discomfort of ripping off a bandage, dealing with sticky residue, or noticing redness after wearing adhesive for too long.
Now imagine asking that same skin to tolerate tape every single day.
For PD patients, the challenge is often even greater.
Many patients develop irritation from the adhesive itself.
Some experience:
And because tape is used day after day, the skin rarely gets a chance to recover.
Patients frequently share stories of cycling through multiple brands, trying different adhesives, barrier wipes, and placement techniques in search of something that doesn’t leave their skin angry and irritated.
For many, the issue isn’t securing the catheter.
It’s finding a way to do it comfortably.
One of the most frustrating things about tape irritation is that many patients think they’re doing something wrong.
They’re not.
Sensitive skin is incredibly common in the dialysis community.
In fact, some patients discover they aren’t reacting to the catheter site at all—they’re reacting to the adhesive touching their skin day after day.
If your skin feels itchy, inflamed, or uncomfortable, it’s worth talking to your care team.
Sometimes switching products helps.
Sometimes the answer is reducing how much tape touches your skin in the first place.
This is actually one of the reasons we created the PD Flow Belt™.
Instead of relying on adhesive to hold tubing in place, the belt helps secure and manage your catheter using soft, comfortable pockets designed specifically for PD patients.
No daily peeling.
No sticky residue.
No wondering whether today’s tape is going to leave another rash.
Just a simple way to keep your catheter secure while you’re working, walking, relaxing, sleeping, or simply living your life.
When you’re on PD, there are already enough things demanding your attention.
Your catheter shouldn’t be one of them.
If tape works well for you, that’s wonderful.
But if you’ve been dealing with irritation, itching, redness, or simply getting tired of taping every day, know that you’re not alone—and you have options.
Most PD patients accept tape irritation as part of dialysis.
We don’t think you should have to.
The PD Flow Belt™ was created by patients and caregivers who understood there had to be a better way.
If your skin is telling you it’s tired of tape, listen to it.
👉 Toss the tape and try the PD Flow Belt™! Discover why so many patients are making the switch.
A real-life guide to peritoneal dialysis
Practical clarity and real-life guidance – right when you need it most. Get our free guide to peritoneal dialysis – written for patients and caregivers navigating the early days, the hard moments, and everything that comes after.
Inside, you’ll find practical tips, real patient insight, and guidance shaped by lived experience – plus early access to thoughtfully designed solutions that make daily life with PD more manageable.
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