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Smith & Nephew Wound Dressings

THE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS IN NO WAY INTENTED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION OFFERED BY A PHARMACIST OR MEDICAL PRACTIONER. PLEASE SEE YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN THE FIRST INSTANCE FOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF WOUND MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS.

Moist Wound Healing – What is it?

In 1962 George Winter discovered that a wound that was kept moist, under an occlusive dressing, healed faster than one which was allowed to dry out and develop a scab. Moist wound healing has been proven to be a faster, less painful method of healing with less scarring and is suitable for wounds healing by secondary intention.

The four principles of Wound Management are commonly accepted as follows:

1. Identify the cause of the wound (aetiology)
2. Reduce or eliminate causative factors
3. Select and apply topical therapy / dressing
4. Plan, implement and evaluate an individual care plan Before selecting a dressing, it is vital that the patient and their wound are properly assessed so that an appropriate treatment plan can be established.

To choose a suitable dressing, a practitioner needs to know what he or she is trying to achieve.

Product Categories

OpSite Flexigrid: A waterproof film dressing, which “acts like a second skin” and protects against bacteria. Ideal for scalds, burns with little fluid or exudate. OpSite Flexigrid can remain on the wound for up to 7 days, therefore minimizing damage and heat loss caused by dressing changes.
OpSite Post-Op: A waterproof film dressing incorporating a non adherent absorbent Melolin pad. Ideal for burns containing some fluid or exudates.

Algisite M: Algisite M is a calcium-alginate dressing rich in mannuronic (N) fibres and fast gelling, with a needling process which produces a soft conformable dressing with less fiber shed and high integrity when wet.

Allevyn: Allevyn is a soft, highly absorbent hydrocellular foam dressing which keeps the wound moist and clean, providing an ideal, moist wound healing environment. The pink backing is both waterproof and bacteria proof. Allevyn may be used to treat leg ulcers, pressure sores, broken-down surgical wounds, skin grafts, donor sites, etc.

Comfeel Plus Ulcer: Are an advanced range of dressings allowing longer wear time than traditional hydrocolloid dressings. An improved hydrocolloid matrix and intelligent high transpiration cover film allow for better management of exudates.

Comfeel Ulcer: Comfeel Ulcer dressing contain liquid-absorbing particles derived from natural cellulose in an elastic self adhesive polyurethane (film) matrix

Comfeel Plus Transparent: Comfeel Plus Transparent dressings are ideal for low exudates wounds such as post-operative suture lines, granulating and epithelialising wounds, pressure sore prevention and skin protection.

Jelonet and Bactigras: Jelonet and Bactigras are soft paraffin dressings, providing a soothing, non-stick layer which allows the wound to drain. Bactigras also contains an antiseptic (0.5% chlorhexidine) for protection against infection, particularly in burns.



Cuticerin: Cuticerin, formerly known as Aquaphor, is a low-adherent wound contact layer. It is made from smooth acetate fabric, with a defined mesh size, coated with water-repelling ointment. Due to the reduced risk of granulation tissue growing through the dressing, removal of Cuticerin is less traumatic for the patient. Cuticerin is ideal for dressing wound with superficial skin loss e.g. abrasions, split-thickness skin graft donor sites.

Melolin: Melolin is a thicker low-adherent, absorbent pad which absorbs fluid from moderately wet wounds.


Cutilin: Similar to Melolin above.

Melolite: Melolite is a thin low-adherent absorbent pad which is suitable for minor wounds or as a temporary dressing.

Interpose: Interpose is a low-adherent absorbent pad which absorbs fluid from moderately wet wounds.

Interpose Lite: Interpose-Lite is a thin low-adherent absorbent pad which is suitable for minor wounds or as a temporary dressing.

OpSite Post-Op is a waterproof, bacteria proof adhesive dressing consisting of a Melolin type pad covered by OpSite film. It may be used over surgical wounds or general cuts and grazes.
Cutifilm Plus: Similar to OpSite Post-Op above. Primapore Island: Primapore is a soft conformable dressing which can be used to cover all wounds, particularly those in the curved areas of the body such as surgical wounds or general cuts and lacerations. Consists of Melolin type pad and a water resistant low allergy Hypafix backing.
Cutiplast Steril: Cutiplast Steril is a soft conformable sterile island dressing especially useful in areas of curvature and flexion such as knees and elbows, hirsute areas and in situations of high humidity as the porous material breathes. Consists of a non-lint low adherent wound pad covered with hypoallergenic Fixomull.

Cica-Care Gel Sheet: Cica-Care is a self-adhesive silicone gel sheet, medically proven to be effective on red, raised scars in up to 90% of cases. Easy to use, Cica-Care reduces redness and smoothes out raised tissue, even on scars up to 20 years old.

Skin Care Remove: Remove is a gentle, yet effective adhesive remover which may e used to assist in the removal of dressings and tapes.

Skin-Prep: Skin-Prep is an alcohol based preparation that cleans and disinfects the skin. Citroflex polymer (polymer based on natural citric acid) protects the skin, allowing the use of adhesive products such as OpSite, where otherwise there is a risk of skin breakdown. Skin-Prep improves adhesion of dressings, reducing dressing lift and therefore, dressing change frequency. Does not interfere with ECG (TENS) signals.

SECURA Cleanser (Pump Bottle) cleans and deodorizes the skin without the need for rinsing. Specifically formulated for incontinent patients.

SECURA Cream (Tube) forms a durable barrier against faeces, urine, and wetness to help reduce the risk of skin irritation. pH balanced, and deodorizing (Clove oil), also contains Aloe and Allantoin to moisturize and protect the skin.

SECURE Extra Protective Cream provides durable, long wearing protection that won’t wash away, even in the most sever cases of incontinence. The Antimicrobial ingredient (chlorxylenol) effectively kills gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and fungi. This action helps protect against skin infection associated with nappy rash or exposure to faeces and urine.

OpSite Flexifix: OpSite Flexifix is a non-sterile roll of transparent adhesive film, ideal for use in dressing fixation, tube fixation, dressing reinforcement, pressure sore prevention and painful peripheral neuropathy.

OpSite Flexigrid: OpSite Flexigrid is a transparent, adhesive film which provides an ideal healing environment for minor wounds and will not let bacteria or water through the dressing. Ideal for clean grazes, superficial burns, skin tears, low exuding wounds and skin protection.

OpSite Spray: OpSite Spray is a transparent and quick drying film suitable for minor closed wounds and post surgical incisions. Permeable to moisture and air, yet water proof.

Leukostrip: A skin closure strip combining a very strong hypoallergenic adhesive and a porous polyamide material which allows the free passage of exudates therefore lessening the likelihood of maceration under the strip. Leukostrip also has programmed flexibility which permits wound oedema thus ensuring the wound edges are constantly held together. Recommended in any situation that requires skin closures and as an adjunct to sutures or skin staples. Available in the traditional white or skin tone: ideal for faces and hands.

IntraSite Gel: InstraSite Gel is a sterile, clear, free-flowing gel which helps remove dead tissue from wounds whilst absorbing excess fluid.

SoloSite Gel: A hydrogel, which soothes and offers pain relief, whilst maintaining its shape in the wound. For maximum protection, use in conjunction with an OpSite dressing.

Silvazine: Silvazine is a white hydrophilic cream containing silver sulphadiazine and chlorhexidine digluconate. Its broad spectrum anti-bacterial activity kills bacteria and prevents infection. It is particularly useful in the treatment of burns and may also be used on leg ulcers, pressure sores and dehisced surgical wounds.

Viscopaste: Is a zinc bandage, used to treat leg ulcers, particularly where eczema or dermatitis is present.

Ichthopaste: Is a ainze bandage with added ichthammol which soothes sensitive skin.

Profore: Is a multi-layer bandage system for the effective and sustained compression treatment of venous leg ulcers. Effective graduated compression is recognized to be the single most important factor in the treatment of venous leg ulcers and the Profore multi-layer system is designed to provide approximately 40mmHg pressure at the ankle and 17mmHg at the calf. This system has been demonstrated to maintain effective levels of pressure for at least a week after application. It has also been shown to achieve complete healing in 79% of venous ulcers by 12 weeks and 84% by 24 weeks. Profore Lite is designed to treat patients with leg ulcers of mixed disease aetiology.

Ametop Gel: Ametop Gel is a white semi-transparent gel containing 4% w/w amethocaine. It is a local percutaneous anaesthetic which can be used to provide anaesthesia of the skin prior to venepuncture or venous cannulation.

EXU-DRY: Exu-Dry is the only wound dressing with the anti-shear layer for very high exudating wounds. Anti-Shear Layer – high density polyethylene minimizes adherence and slides freely with patient movement. Inner Layers – highly absorbent rayon/cellulose blend wicks away wound exudates, holds many times its weight in fluids and remains moist. Outer Layer – high density polyethylene is permeable and non-occlusive, allowing wounds to breathe