Nicotine patches, like NicoDerm CQ, are one form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Patches look like adhesive bandages and stick onto the skin in the same way, even the sticky part contains a layer of nicotine. While you wear the patch, nicotine passes through the skin into your blood, delivering a steady stream of theraputic nicotine, and helps reduce cravings while quitting smoking.