Managing wounds that are at a risk of infection is very vital. Infected wounds are likely to be more painful, hypersensitive and odorous, resulting in increased discomfort for the patient. Allevyn Ag Dressings have been specifically designed to manage exudate in chronic wounds that are at risk of infection or for wounds where a suspected increase in bacterial colonization is delaying healing of the wound.

What are Allevyn Ag Dressings?

Allevyn Ag dressings are the Hydrocellular Dressing designed to provide exudate management and bacterial barrier properties for chronic wounds. Allevyn Ag Dressings combine the properties of allevyn with the anti-microbial activity of silver. The dressings are comfortable for patients, conform to body contours and are easy to apply.

The dressings are available in three types:

Allevyn Ag Adhesive dressing: Allevyn Ag Adhesive Dressing is an adhesive polyurethane, foam dressing with silver for added antimicrobial activity. It is indicated for exudate absorption and the management of partial to full thickness wounds such as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, 1st and 2nd degree burns, donor sites and surgical wounds.

Allevyn Ag Non-Adhesive dressing: Allevyn Ag Non-Adhesive is an absorbent antimicrobial three layer dressing consisting of a SSD (Silver Sulfadiazine) containing absorbent hydro-cellular pad sandwiched between a perforated non adherent wound contact layer and a waterproof outer film. The dressing provides an effective barrier to microbial contamination, protecting the wound from invasive pathogenic micro-organisms, thus assisting a faster healing. SSD is effective against micro-organisms present in the dressing and in the wound. In the presence of exudate the dressing will help maintain a moist wound environment.

Allevyn Ag Gentle Border Dressing: Allevyn Ag Gentle Border Dressing is a hydrocellular, combines an absorbent hydro-cellular foam pad with silver sulphadiazine, sandwiched between a perforated soft silicone adhesive wound contact layer and a highly permeable waterproof outer film. Allevyn Ag Gentle Border is suitable for use on fragile skin.

Benefits of using Allevyn Ag Dressings

• Reduced risk: Allevyn Ag dressings significantly lowers the risk of infection because they are impervious to bacteria. The thin polyurethane film provides a bacterial and viral barrier and it also removes some barriers to healing, allowing the host to regain control and progress the wound to closure. They reduce the risk of excess fluid at the wound site, excess wound fluid is transpired away more quickly.

• Easy to apply: Allevyn Ag Dressings are versatile, easy to use and are suitable for managing different stages of wound healing and multiple wound types in a protocol of care. Also the dressings keeps nerve endings moist, which helps to provide relief from discomfort.

• Greater self-reliance: Allevyn Ag Adhesive offers an all-in-one solution -no need for secondary retention. It provides a convenient, efficient, cost effective solution for wound management.

• Improved mood: Top film of the Allevyn Ag Dressing switches to become more breathable in the presence of fluid, therefore it responds, when the clinician needs it most. It protects from leakage, promotes rapid wound closure and reduces the risk of maceration.

• Enhanced confidence: It is waterproof, conformable and comfortable and is also a low allergy adhesive.

• Minimal disruption to healing: Allevyn Ag Dressing does not need to be changed as often as other types of wound dressings as it has longer absorption capacity. New dressing only needs to be applied every 5-7 days, which leaves the wound undisturbed for longer period.

• Minimal pain upon removal: Allevyn Ag Dressing prevents healing tissue from growing into the dressing minimizing pain on removal.

Precautionary measure to be taken:

• If reddening or sensitization occurs, discontinue using the dressing.

• Allevyn Ag dressing is not compatible with oxidizing agents as these can break down the absorbent polyurethane component of the dressing. It may also not be may not be compatible with topical anti-microbials and oil-based products.

• Contact with electrodes or conductive gels during electronic measurements, e.g. EEG and ECG should be avoided.

• As with all products containing silver sulfadiazine the following precautions should be noted, especially when covering a large surface area with the dressing:

• Use caution in patients with significant hepatic or renal impairment.

• Use caution in individuals known to have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

• Effects of systemically administered drugs may be altered. This can especially apply to oral hypoglycaemic agents and to phenytoin.