Fast versus slow bandaid removal: A randomised trial

Objective: To determine whether slow or fast bandaid removal is less painful. Design, setting and participants: A prospective, randomised, crossover trial was carried out at James Cook University, Townsville. Participants were healthy volunteers from Years 2 and 3 of the James Cook University medical school program. Interventions: Medium-sized bandaids were applied bilaterally in three standard body locations and removed using slow and fast techniques. Main outcome measures: Pain scores were assessed using an 11-point verbal numeric pain scale. Results: 65 participants were included in the study. The overall mean pain score for fast bandaid removal was 0.92 and for slow bandaid removal was 1.58. This represents a highly significant difference of 0.66 (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In young healthy volunteers, fast bandaid removal caused less pain than slow bandaid removal.