SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Duoderm Extra Thin, formerly Granuflex Extra Thin, is one of the the Granuflex range of hydroactive dressings. It consists of a semipermeable polyurethane film, which is impermeable to exudate and micro-organisms, coated with a thin layer of an adhesive similar to that used on Granuflex. The moist conditions produced under the dressing promote epithelialisation without causing maceration. As Duoderm Extra Thin is waterproof, the patient may bath or shower with the dressing in position.

Indications

Because the absorbency of Duoderm Extra Thin is limited, it should be used in the treatment of lightly exuding wounds and minor skin injuries such as superficial pressure sores and sutured wounds. It may also be used prophylactically for the prevention of friction damage to fragile skin in high risk patients and as a secondary dressing over hydrogels and alginates.

Contra-indications

Known sensitivity to Duoderm Extra Thin or its components

Method of use

An appropriately sized dressing is removed from its paper backing and lightly pressed into position over the wound. In order to ensure good adhesion to the surrounding skin, a minimum overlap of 2 cm from the margin of the wound should be allowed. Because Duoderm Extra Thin is adhesive, and will not allow exudate to pass through the backing, no additional dressings are required.

Frequency of Change

The frequency of dressing changes will be governed by the state of the wound but on very lightly exuding superficial or sutured wounds, the dressing may be left in place for up to 7 days or until the wound is healed.

Warnings

Colonisation of chronic wounds is common and is not a contraindication to the use of Duoderm Extra Thin. Where systemic or local infection develops during the use of the dressing, appropriate adjunctive therapy should be initiated. The use of Duoderm Extra Thin may be continued but the progress of the wound should be monitored carefully and all treatment should be under medical supervision. The use of Granuflex Extra Thin in the presence of anaerobic infection is not recommended. Inappropriate use or too frequent dressing changes may result in skin irritation or stripping.

Presentation

Duoderm Extra Thin is presented individually wrapped in a peel pouch, sterilised by gamma irradiation.

Sizes

7.5 cm × 7.5 cm*

10.0 cm × 10.0 cm*

15.0 cm × 15.0 cm*

5.0 cm × 10.0 cm

5.0 cm × 20.0 cm

*Available on Drug Tariff

Bibliography

1. Boulos PB, Developments in hydrocolloid dressings, European Hospital Pharmacy Workshop Series, Modern Wound Healing: The Pharmacist's Role. 1990, 1, (1), 22-23.

2. Decaillet JM, Clinical evaluation of Extra Thin HCD in hand surgery, European Hospital Pharmacy Workshop Series, Modern Wound Healing: The Pharmacist's Role. 1990, 1, (1), 24-26.

3. Martin A, Comparison of Granuflex Extra Thin and conventional dressings in the management of lacerations, abrasions and minor operation wounds, The pharmacist and Woundcare, 1992, 107-110.

4. Banks V, et al, A randomised, controlled community comparison of Duoderm Extra Thin and a film dressing when used as secondary dressings. Proceedings of the 6th European Conference on Advances in Wound Management, Amsterdam, October 1996.

5. Hermans MHE, Clinical benefit of a hydrocolloid dressing in closed surgical wounds. Journal of ET Nursing, 20, 68-72.

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/duoderm-et.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:21:19 GMT