SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Comfeel Ulcer Dressing consists of a semipermeable polyurethane film coated with a flexible, cross-linked adhesive mass containing sodium carboxy-methylcellulose (NaCMC) as the principal absorbent and gel forming agent. Comfeel is permeable to water vapour but impermeable to exudate and micro-organisms. In the presence of exudate, the NaCMC absorbs liquid and swells to form a cohesive gel that does not tend to disintegrate or leave residues in the wound bed. Comfeel is also available in the form of a paste, (containing NaCMC, Guar cellulose, paraffins and elastomers), for the treatment of cavity wounds and a powder (containing NaCMC, Guar cellulose and Xanthan cellulose) to provide enhanced fluid handling properties in the management of heavily exuding wounds.

Indications

Comfeel may be used in the treatment of leg ulcers, pressure sores, , minor burns, donor sites, (after haemostasis has been achieved), and many types of granulating wounds. It has also been found to be of value in the treatment of wounds containing slough or necrotic tissue. In these situations, the dressing prevents the loss of water vapour and effectively rehydrates the dead tissue which is then removed by autolysis.

Contra-indications

The manufacturers of Comfeel recommend that it should not be used on exposed muscle or bone, or applied to patients who are known to be sensitive to one of the ingredients. Comfeel is not the product of choice for application to very heavily exuding wounds, at least in the initial stages of treatment, as the dressing would require replacing too frequently.

Method of use

An appropriately sized dressing is partially removed from its paper backing using the tab provided, and placed on the surface of the wound using a non-touch technique. In order to ensure good adhesion to the surrounding skin, a minimum overlap of 1.5 cm from the margin of the wound should be allowed.

It is recommended that ulcers and cavity wounds greater than 5 mm deep are half filled with Comfeel Paste prior to the application of the sheet dressing.

Frequency of Change

The frequency of dressing changes will be governed by the state of the wound. In general, necrotic ulcers may require changing every 2-3 days and granulating ulcers every 3-4 days but ulcers in the epithelialisation stage of healing may only require changing every 5-7 days. It is possible to judge when a dressing needs to be replaced as the dressing changes in appearance and becomes transparent.

Warnings

Colonisation of chronic wounds is common and is not a contraindication to the use of Comfeel. Where systemic or local infection is suspected or develops during the use of the dressing, appropriate adjunctive therapy should be given and the progress of the wound monitored carefully. This may mean changing the dressing for the purpose of inspection more frequently than would otherwise be the case. Comfeel sheets should be used with caution on burns and wounds caused by chronic infections such as syphilis or tuberculosis.

Presentation

Comfeel is presented individually wrapped in a peel pouch, sterilised by gamma irradiation.

Sizes

4.0 cm × 6.0 cm

15.0 cm × 15.0 cm*

10.0 cm × 10.0 cm*

20.0 cm × 20.0 cm*

50 g tube of paste

12 g sachet of paste

6 g sachet of powder

* available on Drug Tariff

Bibliography

1. Milward P, Examining hydrocolloids, Nursing Times, 1991, 87, 70-74.

2. Leaper D, Hydrocolloid dressings in the community, Dermatology in Practice, June/July, 1990.

3. Winter A, Testing A hydrocolloid, Nursing Times, 1990, 86, 59-61.

4. Thomas S, A guide to the composition, properties and uses of hydrocolloid dressings and the commercial presentations available, J. Wound Care, 1992, 1, (2), 27-30.

Revision Details

This datacard has been prepared from data provided by the manufacturer and/or from published literature.

URL: http://www.worldwidewounds.com/WMPRC/DataCards/HTML/comfeel.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:21:05 GMT