Product Description

Cutimed Alginate dressings are highly absorbent wound dressings. Cutimed Alginate dressings are soft, conformable and fast gelling dressings. The high absorbency allows exudate to be absorbed into the dressing to form a gel which assists in maintaining a moist wound healing environment.

Composition

Cutimed Alginate wound dressings are composed of calcium/sodium alginates.

Indications

Cutimed Alginate are highly absorbent wound dressings. They are indicated for moderate to heavily exudating wounds, such as:

• ulcers of various origins (venous, arterial)
• leg ulcers
• pressure ulcers
• diabetic ulcers
• cavity wounds
• acute wounds such as skin donor sites, post-operative surgical wounds, superficial and partial thickness burns, lacerations and abrasions.

Cutimed Alginate dressings are suitable for use under compression bandages.

Cutimed Alginate dressings may also be used in the management of infected wounds or wounds in which there is an increased risk of infection under medical supervision.

Mode of action

Cutimed Alginate dressings absorb exudate whilst maintaining a moist wound environment.

Precautions

The dressing may adhere if used on very lightly exuding wounds. If the dressing is not easily removed, moisten with saline prior to removal. Do not use on patients with a known sensitivity to alginates. For external use only.

Contra-Indications

Cutimed Alginate dressings are not indicated for:

• surgical implantation
• dry wounds
• to control heavy bleeding

Directions for use

Wound preparation

• Debride when necessary and irrigate the wound in accordance with local clinical protocol.
• Remove excess moisture from surrounding skin.

Dressing Application

1. Select an appropriate dressing according to wound size.
2. Cut (using sterile scissors) or fold the dressing to fit the wound.
3. Apply to wound bed directly. Loosely fill deep wounds, ensuring the dressing does not overlap the wound margins.
4. Cover and secure with a suitable secondary dressing, for example Fixomull transparent, Hypafix transparent or Cutimed Hydro L.

Infected wounds

1. If the wound is infected, appropriate medical treatment should be initiated.
2. Application of the Cutimed Alginate dressing may be continued at the discretion of the attending medical practitioner/clinician.

Dressing Change and Removal

1. Cutimed Alginate can remain in situ up to 7 days, depending on patient condition, the level of exudate and the saturation of the secondary dressing. It is recommended the dressing is changed every 24 hours initially moving to less frequent changes as necessary.
2. Carefully remove the secondary dressing, and gently remove Cutimed Alginate from the wound bed and discard.
3. If the wound appears dry, saturate the dressing with sterile saline solution prior to removal.
4. If required, irrigate the wound site with a suitable wound cleanser prior to application of new dressing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Single Use Only. Do not re-sterilise.