Where's the Best Place to Put a Nicotine Patch?

If you're trying to quit smoking, nicotine patches can be a helpful tool. But where's the best place to put a nicotine patch?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best place to put a nicotine patch is on:

A clean, dry area of skin on your upper body, such as your chest, back, or upper arm.

An area where the patch will not be rubbed or irritated by clothing or jewelry.

Not on broken or irritated skin.

Here are some additional tips for applying a nicotine patch:

Wash your hands before applying the patch.

Remove the patch from its packaging and peel off the backing.

Place the patch on your skin and press down firmly for 10-15 seconds.

Keep the patch on for 12-24 hours.

Remove the patch and apply a new one to a different area of your skin the next day.

Benefits of Using a Nicotine Patch

Nicotine patches can help you quit smoking by providing a steady dose of nicotine to your body. This can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to stay smoke-free.

Nicotine patches are safe and effective. They have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been shown to help people quit smoking.

Nicotine patches are easy to use. You simply apply a patch to your skin each day.

Nicotine patches are relatively inexpensive. A box of 7 patches costs about $20.

Stories

Story 1

Benefit: Nicotine patches can help you reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

How to: Apply a nicotine patch to a clean, dry area of skin on your upper body.

Story 2

Benefit: Nicotine patches can help you stay smoke-free for the long term.

How to: Use nicotine patches for 12-24 weeks to increase your chances of quitting smoking for good.

Story 3

Benefit: Nicotine patches are safe and effective.

How to: Talk to your doctor about whether nicotine patches are right for you.

Tables

Table 1: Best Places to Put a Nicotine Patch

Place	Benefits
Chest	Flat, large surface area
Back	Less likely to be irritated
Upper arm	Easy to apply and remove

Table 2: Tips for Applying a Nicotine Patch

Tip	Benefits
Wash your hands before applying the patch	Prevents bacteria from getting on the patch
Remove the patch from its packaging and peel off the backing	Makes it easy to apply the patch
Place the patch on your skin and press down firmly for 10-15 seconds	Ensures the patch will stay on
Keep the patch on for 12-24 hours	Provides a steady dose of nicotine
Remove the patch and apply a new one to a different area of your skin the next day	Prevents skin irritation

Where's the Best Place to Put a Nicotine Patch?