The best place to apply a B12 patch is generally an area with good blood flow, is clean and dry, and has little to no hair. Several optimal locations are suggested by different manufacturers and sources.
Recommended Patch Placement Areas:
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Inside of the wrist: This is a frequently recommended location due to its accessibility and good blood circulation. Multiple sources, including The Good Patch (https://thegoodpatch.com/products/b12-awake), mention the inside of the wrist as a suitable placement area.
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Other Venous Areas: Many sources emphasize the importance of placing the patch on a venous area for optimal absorption. This includes areas with prominent veins near the surface of the skin.
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Upper arm: This location offers good blood flow and a relatively large, flat surface. StrongLife recommends this area.
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Shoulder, back, or hip: PatchMD suggests these areas, emphasizing that they should be relatively hair-free. (https://www.patchmd.com/b12-energy-plus-topical-patch.html)
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Upper chest, upper outer arm, lower abdomen/hip, top of the foot: These are additional options mentioned by Grove (https://www.grove.co/blog/the-good-patch) as suitable areas for transdermal patches.
Important Considerations:
- Cleanliness: Always ensure the application area is clean and dry before applying the patch.
- Hair: Hair-free areas are preferred for better adhesion and absorption.
- Rotation: If using patches regularly, rotate application sites to prevent skin irritation. Bytox specifically notes this (https://bytox.com/).
- Wear Time: The duration for wearing the patch varies depending on the brand, typically ranging from 8 to 12 hours. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
