Allevyn Adhesive Foam Dressing

Features of Allevyn Foam Dressing

• Low allergy adhesive helps keep the dressing securely in place without adhering to the wound
• Highly breathable top film minimizes the risk of maceration to the wound and peri-wound
• Allevyn Foam Dressing provides an effective barrier function to exogenous bacteria as well as helps prevent fluid and bacterial strike-through
• Contains latex
• Conforms to body contours and is very comfortable for patients
• Can be cut to fit awkward areas such as elbows and heels

When to use Allevyn Adhesive Foam Dressing?

• Full and partial thickness wounds such as pressure ulcers, leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers
• Shallow, granulating wounds
• Chronic and acute exudative wounds
• Malignant wounds
• Infected wounds
• Surgical wounds
• First and second-degree burns
• Donor sites
• Fungating wounds

Allevyn Wound Dressing Technology

Allevyn Adhesive consists of a highly absorbent hydrocellular foam pad held between an adhesive perforated wound contact layer and a highly permeable outer top film.
 

1. Breathable Top Film: Outer polyurethane top film switches to become more breathable in the presence of exudate. It also helps to prevent strike-through and provides an effective barrier to bacteria and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.

   

2. Highly Absorbent Foam Core: Hydrocellular foam core is highly absorbent, providing absorption capacity for up to 7 days
3. Non-Adherent Wound Contact Layer: Wound contact layer has a low allergy-based adhesive, which adheres well to the intact skin, will not stick to the wound, and has a proven low risk of skin irritation

The unique triple-layer technology effectively manages exudate and ensures that the wound is kept at optimum moisture levels to support moist wound healing. It does this by:

1. Transpiring enough fluid to keep the dressing conformable and comfortable
2. Retaining enough fluid to keep a healthily moist wound environment
3. Absorbing enough fluid to remove unwanted exudate and cellular debris

What to buy with Allevyn Dressing

• Smith & Nephew Viscopaste PB7 Zinc Paste Bandage
• Smith & Nephew Dermal Wound Cleanser
• Smith & Nephew Solosite Gel Hydrogel Wound Dressing

How to apply Allevyn Foam Adhesive Wound Dressing?

1. Cleanse wound in accordance with the local clinical protocol
2. Select an appropriate allevyn adhesive dressing size. This foam dressing can be cut to dress wounds on the heel, elbows and other awkward areas.
3. Prepare and clean the skin surrounding the wound area and remove excess moisture. Any excess hair should be clipped to ensure close approximation to the wound. Skin-Prep wipes may be used prior to application of Allevyn Adhesive where the fragile skin is involved.
4. Remove one of the protector films from Allevyn Foam dressing and anchor the adhesive side of the dressing to the skin
5. Remove the remaining protector film and smooth the dressing over the remainder of the wound without stretching, ensuring there are no creases. The pad area of the dressing must be adhered across the entire surface of the wound.
6. If the dressing has been cut ensure any exposed foam areas are covered with an appropriate film dressing taking care not to cover the entire Allevyn Foam Dressing.
7. When positioning Allevyn Foam Adhesive Sacrum, place the narrow end of the dressing a minimum of 2cm (3/4in.) above the anal sphincter, then smooth the dressing over the sacrum.

When to change Allevyn Adhesive Foam Wound Dressing?

Dressings can be left in place for up to 7 days depending on the condition of the wound and the surrounding skin or until exudate is visible and approaches to within 2cm or 3/16in. of the edge of the dressing pad, whichever is sooner. Local clinical protocols should also be taken into consideration.
 

Note: If dressings are applied to the sacral area, they may be left in place for up to 5 days, however, due to the increased potential for contamination and infection in this area, increased monitoring of dressing adherence may be required as per local clinical protocols. The decision of when to change should be dependent upon clinical assessment and local protocols should also be taken into consideration.

How to remove Allevyn Adhesive Foam Bandage?

To remove this dressing, lift one corner of the allevyn adhesive dressing and slowly peel it back until completely removed from the wound. Sacral dressings should be removed from the top edge and down towards the anus to minimise the potential for faecal contamination.
 

Smith and Nephew Allevyn Foam Adhesive Dressing User Guide

• Allevyn Adhesive Foam Dressing Technical Information
• Smith & Nephew Allevyn Foam Dressing User Manual

Precautions:

• Do not use this dressing with oxidizing agents such as hypochlorite solutions (e.g. EUSOL) or hydrogen peroxide, as these can break down the absorbent polyurethane component of the dressing
• If reddening or sensitisation occurs discontinue the use
• It is a single-use product
• In common with all adhesive products, some cases of irritation and/or maceration of the skin surrounding the wound have been reported
• Infrequently cases of sensitivity to the dressing have been reported
• It should be noted that inappropriate use or too frequent dressing changes, particularly on patients with fragile skin, can result in skin stripping

Frequently Asked Questions - 

Q: How long can the Allevyn Adhesive Foam Dressing stay on?

The Allevyn Adhesive can be worn for up to 7 days, depending on wound exudate levels and condition of surrounding skin. Change the dressing when exudate reaches within 2 cm of the dressing pad edge, or sooner if clinical assessment indicates. For sacral applications, a maximum of 5 days is recommended.

Q: Does the Allevyn Adhesive contain latex?

Yes, the Allevyn Adhesive (Classic) dressing contains latex in the adhesive border. Patients or caregivers with latex allergies should use the Allevyn Gentle Border instead, which uses a latex-free silicone gel adhesive.

Q: Is the Allevyn Adhesive Foam Dressing FSA/HSA eligible?

Yes, the Allevyn Adhesive Foam Dressing is FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) eligible. You can use your FSA or HSA card at checkout when purchasing from HPFY.

Q: What wound types is the Allevyn Adhesive indicated for?

The Allevyn Adhesive is clinically indicated for: pressure ulcers (Stage II–IV), venous and arterial leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, post-surgical wounds, donor sites, shallow granulating wounds, first- and second-degree burns, fungating wounds, and malignant wounds with moderate to heavy exudate.

Q: Can Allevyn Adhesive be cut to fit?

Yes. The Allevyn Adhesive can be cut to fit irregular wound shapes, including heels, elbows, and other contoured areas. If you cut the dressing, ensure any exposed foam edges are covered with an appropriate film dressing to maintain the barrier function.

Q: What is the difference between Allevyn Adhesive and Allevyn Gentle Border?

The primary differences are the adhesive type and latex content. Allevyn Adhesive uses a polyurethane low-allergy adhesive and contains latex, making it suitable for most patients with moderate to heavy exudate. Allevyn Gentle Border uses a soft silicone gel adhesive, is latex-free, and is designed for patients with fragile, sensitive, or easily traumatized peri-wound skin.