Adhesion-promoting, thin film, moisture resistant skin barrier formulations are composed of a fugitive solvent mixture consisting of t-butanol and an alkane fraction composed of at least one alkane, where the t-butanol is in the range of 40-70% by weight of the solvent mixture, and a film-forming solute dissolved in the fugitive solvent mixture. The formulations may also include one or more optional ingredients such as antimicrobial and/or bioactive agents. When applied to the skin, the formulations improve the adhesion of various classes of medical adhesives used to attach a variety of medical devices to the skin and create a thin, flexible and elastic continuous barrier film on the skin to protect against body fluids and incontinence.
