Which side of Acticoat goes down?

Apply prepared Acticoat directly to wound surface (blue side down) Cover Acticoat with water compress (gauze soaked in sterile water) to keep the Acticoat moist.

How do you apply Acticoat to a wound?

Applying an Acticoat dressing

1. Clean and dry your wound with soap and water.
2. Remove the Acticoat from the package.
3. Use a clean pair of scissors to cut the Acticoat dressing to fit the shape of your burn or wound.
4. Wet the Acticoat with sterile water (do not use normal saline).
5. Place the Acticoat on the wound surface.

How do you activate Acticoat dressing?

Keep the dressing moist but not so wet that tissue maceration occurs. Apply the dressing to the wound surface. Moisten the dressing with drinking water (DO NOT use saline). Remove excess water prior to application e.g. leave to drain on a sterile field for approximately 2 minutes.

How does Acticoat dressing work?

Acticoat Absorbent™ is an alginate dressing impregnated with nanocrystalline silver crystals. It has an absorbent property when in contact with wound exudate and forms a gel and releases nanocrystalline silver cations onto the wound bed. Its antibacterial action is similar to that of Acticoat™ (Smith and Nephew 2004).

Do you wet Acticoat?

Acticoat is an anti-microbial barrier dressing used to prevent infection and aid the healing of burns and wounds. It works by forming a protective barrier over a wound, killing bacteria and keeping the surface of the wound moist. It is important that the dressing is kept moist.

Is Acticoat antimicrobial?

This information is intended for Healthcare Professionals only. Acticoat* (with Nanocrystalline Silver) † dressing is an effective antimicrobial barrier dressing. The nanocrystalline coating of silver rapidly kills a broad spectrum of bacteria in as little as 30 minutes.

Can you pack with Acticoat?

ACTICOAT Flex 3 and Flex 7 may be used to pack wounds. Cut the dressing to shape as necessary. When used with compression therapy the dressing must be cut to the size of the wound. Change the dressing depending on the amount of exudate present and the condition of the wound.

How long can you use Acticoat for?

Highly conformable silver coated knitted polyester that allows the passage of exudate. ACTICOAT Flex 3 can be worn for up to 3 days while Flex 7 can be used for up to 7 days. Has been shown to be compatible with negative pressure wound therapy.

How does ACTICOAT 7 dressing work?

ACTICOAT 7 dressing consists of five layers: two layers of abosorbent rayon/polyester between three layers of silver-coated, low adherent polyethylene net. ACTICOAT 7 is an absorbent wound dressing that helps to maintain a moist environment at the wound surface.

Does Acticoat stain skin?

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR CARE AT HOME: 1. Dressings may become brown in colour – this is just the silver from the Acticoat dressing staining the adhesive tape/handy gauze. It is not harmful to normal skin or wounds and you may want to protect clothing, bed linen and/or mattress.

How often do you wet Acticoat?

Remember to wet the dressing three times a day and keep out of sand, dirt and water.

How does ACTICOAT 7 work?

The nanocrystalline coating of silver rapidly kills a broad spectrum of bacteria in as little as 30 minutes and is effective for up to 7 days. Acticoat 7 dressing consists of five layers: two layers of an absorbent inner core sandwiched between three layers of silver coated, low adherent polyethylene net.

What is the function of acticoat 7 dressing?

The barrier function of the dressing may help reduce infection in partial and full thickness wounds including decubitus ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers, first- and second-degree burns, and donor sites. ACTICOAT 7 dressings may be used over debrided and grafted partial thickness wounds.

How long can acticoat dressings be left on a wound?

ACTICOAT* 7 Dressings can be left on wounds for up to seven days. ACTICOAT* Dressings can be used under compression therapy. For over 150 years, Smith+Nephew has taken a pioneering approach to product design and services, helping to reduce the human and economic costs of wounds.

Can acticoat be cut to size?

• Can be cut to size. Indications. ACTICOAT* is indicated for use on partial- and full-thickness wounds, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, surgical sites, donor sites, grafts/dermal substitutes, and first- and second-degree burns.

How do you apply acticoat dressing?

Moisten the dressing with sterile water (do not use saline). Allow the dressing to drain on an absorbent surface in a sterile field for at least two minutes. Apply the ACTICOAT* Dressing to the wound surface, either side down. Cover the dressing with an appropriate secondary dressing.