SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Tarband consists of an open-wove bleached cotton bandage impregnated evenly with a paste of:

• Zinc Oxide BP 15.0%
• Prep. Coal Tar BP 3.0%
• Glycerine BP 27.0%
• Propyl Hydroxybenzoate BP 0.2%
• Modified Starch 18.5%
• Castor Oil BP 1.0%
• Water to 100.0%

The bandage is grey in colour and supplied rolled ready for use.

Indications

Tarband may be used in the treatment of all forms of chronic eczema, atopic dermatitis, infantile eczema, lichenification (Lichen simplex and Lichenified eczema) and varicose and gravitational ulcers.

Contra-indications

Tarband should not be applied to patients known to be sensitive to one of the ingredients of the dressing. The dressing should not be applied to grossly macerated skin.

Method of use

Tarband should be applied to the leg in a series of loose folds rather than a continuous spiral to ensure that it cannot constrict blood flow or cause a tourniquet effect. When used in the treatment of venous leg ulcers, the bandage should be used in conjunction with a suitable compression bandage to aid venous return and help to prevent the paste bandage from drying out. If compression is not required, Tarband should be covered with a non-elasticated tubular bandage to reduce drying out and to prevent the soiling of clothing.

Frequency of Change

Tarband may be renewed as frequently as the condition requires.

Warnings

Some patients, particularly those with leg ulcers, have skin that is easily sensitised to topical medicaments including the preservatives used in the formulation of some paste bandages. If changes occur in the appearance of skin surrounding an ulcer dressed with Tarband, sensitisation should be suspected. Such patients should be referred for specialist diagnosis including patch testing.

One of the functions of occlusive bandages is to increase absorption of topical medicaments. Care should therefore be taken if topical steroid preparations are used under these bandages as their absorption may be significantly increased.

Presentation

Tarband is supplied individually wrapped

Storage

An expiry date is printed on each package. Tarband should be stored in a dry place not exceeding 25 °C.

Sizes

7.5 cm x 6 m

Tarband is available on Drug Tariff

Legal Category

Pharmacy [P]

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/tarband.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:23:23 GMT