An elongate adhesive article having a length substantially greater than a width includes a backing layer having an adhesive layer and a single weakened region formed of a removable strip of backing layer that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the article length. The removable strip of backing layer is at least partially defined by a pair of lines of weakness separated by a gap of between about 2 and about 15 mm. The elongate article may include an absorbent pad in the form of an adhesive bandage or sticking plaster. A method of using such an elongate article includes the steps of applying the article to the skin of a mammal, removing a predefined strip from the article； and removing the remainder of the article from the skin.
