Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average wear time for SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid Dressings?

Wear time depends to a great extent on anatomical location, condition of the surrounding skin, and the amount of wound exudate interacting with the dressing. SureSkin Silver dressings are intended for use on wounds with mild to moderate exudate.

On average, SureSkin Silver dressings should deliver the following wear times:

Sometimes the dressing does not adhere well, what can be done to improve adhesion?

Peri wound skin should be dry and ointments and creams should not be used under the dressing.

Dressing size should allow a border of 3cm (1 to 1 1/4") extending beyond the edge of the wound on all sides.

Dressing should be rolled over the wound surface and molded into place with the hands for at least one minute. In difficult anatomocal locations such as the sacrum, the addition of tape may be beneficial for improving wear.

For Pts with oily skin, it may be helpful to dry the surrounding skin with an alcohol wipe before dressing application. Minimize finger contact with adhesive surface of dressing when applying.

It would also be advisable to check to see if there were any dietary or drug changes, since these types of changes could impact adhesion.

Sometimes, I see the edge of the border dressing lifting. Should I change the dressing?

The tapered edges of the dressing may lift. This does not necessarily mean the dressing needs to be changed. If there is no leakage of exudate from under the dressing, taping the edges of the dressing with micropore tape may be all that is needed.

What types of bacteria are SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid dressings effective against?

To date, laboratory tests indicate that SureSkin Silver dressings are effective against Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus, E. Coli, and P. Aeruginosa.

Can SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid dressings be used on clinically infected wounds?

Under the supervision of a healthcare professional, SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid Dressings:

Can be used on colonized wounds to support healing

Can be used when the risk of infection is suspected or exists

Can be used on clinically infected wounds under the supervision of a health care professional

How do I determine what size dressing to use?

Selecting the appropriate size dressing is critical for optimal performance.

In order to determine theappropriate size dressing, allow at least an additional 2.5cm (1") border around the wound area to insure dressing adherence.

For example:

if a wound measures 1.5×1.5" (3.5×3.5cm) in size, a 4×4" (10×10cm) dressing should be used.

Can a patient bathe or shower with the dressing on?

SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid Dressings are covered with a polyurethane film outer layer, this layer together with the hydrocolloid adhesive layer provide a barrier to water and outside contaminents, so patients can shower or bathe with this dressing in place.

What wound fillers can I use under SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid Dressings?

While all currently available wound filler products can be used under SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid dressings (pastes, gels, alginates, hydrofibers etc.), the use of some wound fillers may minimize the antibacterial effects of the silver in the dressing.

How are SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid Dressings different from other HCD dressings?

Unlike other Silver dressings, SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid dressings utilize a low concentration of silver to achieve effective antimicrobial protection compared to other silver dressings and they do not harm cells needed for healing to proceed.

SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid dressings kill bacteria on contact in the gelatinous mass that is formed as a result of the dressings interaction with wound fluid.

The ability of these dressing to contain their activity in this manner enhances their safety by minimizing the potential for the development of resistence to silver.

In addition, SureSkin Silver proprietary Hydrocolloid adhesive formula provides all the benefits of hydrocolloid dressings with regard to moist wound healing, and offer a range of shapes and sizes to fit even the more challenging anatomical locations.

SureSkin Silver Hydrocolloid dressings are not only cost effective but compared to other Silver dressings they offer the best value for achieving the desired clinical outcome.

If the dressing changes color (dark brown) can I use it?

Many silver products are dark in appearance. SureSkin Silver can change color over time. This change does not impact the product’s performance.

Copyright © 2008 EuroMed, Inc.