Abstract

A skin barrier consisting of an elastic film (16), secured to the film a layer (18) of at least weakly elastic adhesive material, these two components together having low resistance to quick deformation and rapid recovery to substantially the original shape after deformation, the plastic properties of the adhesive thereby being compensated by the elasticity of the film. Optionally there may be a releasable protective cover (20,22) on the other side of the adhesive layer. The adhesive material consists of a hydrocolloid, preferably sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dispersed in a continuous phase consisting of a mixture of (a) a physically cross-linked elastomer which is a styrene-olefin-styrene block copolymer, (b) a hydrocarbon resin tackifier which is a polymer or copolymer of cyclopentadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ଱- or ଲ-pinene, (c) a plasticizer for the elastomer which is compatible at least with the styrene blocks thereof and decreases the upper glass transition temperature thereof, preferably dioctyl adipate, (d) an antioxidant, and (e) optionally an oily extender compatible with the olefin blocks of the elastomer.