My patch leaves a square of dark sticky stuff around it. What is it, and how do I get it off?

My patch leaves a square of dark sticky stuff around it.

No need to worry, it’s most likely just bits of dust and dirt catching in the adhesive that makes the patch stay on your skin. While the patch is in place there isn’t too much you can do about it without running the risk of making the patch un-sticky. Once you take the patch off, you can try rubbing a little bit of baby oil on the marks. They should come right off with a little scrubbing.

Still not working?

If the sticky stuff bothers you but you want a birth control method you don’t have to remember every day or every time you have sex, you may want to check out the implant, the IUD, the ring, or the shot.

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