A self-adhesive bandage for prevention and treatment of skin breakdown by
relief of friction and shear forces. The bandage includes a pair of thin
film membranes, one of which is a portion of a dome and is free to move a
limited distance with respect to the other. The dome is located on a skin
contact layer that can be adhered to one's skin. A method of making such
a bandage includes forming a dome in a flexible film and adhesively
attaching a skirt surrounding the dome to a skin contact layer. Similar
friction reducing devices may be incorporated in shoes, other clothing,
or sports equipment.