NI Wound

Care Formulary
3rd Edition - January 2020

1
Wound Care Formulary
..............................................................................................................
The aim of the Northern Ireland Wound Care Formulary is to provide
practitioners with guidance on the wound management products that
are recommended for use in Northern Ireland. The formulary provides
for a wide range of wound types, descriptions and advice on the most
appropriate product(s) to use.

It is recognised that there are factors other than dressing choice which
influence wound healing and as such a holistic approach to patient care
should be taken.

We hope that you find this formulary useful and welcome your comments
for incorporation into future updates. Comments should be forwarded to
medicines.management@hscni.net

This formulary should be used as an educational tool, to promote

evidence-based practice and cost effective prescribing in the management
of wounds across Northern Ireland. It is available electronically on
niformulary.hscni.net
Information to note:
The information contained within this formulary is intended for use by
healthcare professionals, within primary and secondary care in Northern
Ireland. We have made every effort to check that the information is
accurate at the time of publication. The HSC Board does not accept any
responsibility for loss or damage caused by reliance on this information.
Please refer to product literature for full details of cautions and contra-
indications.
The wound management products included in this formulary are intended
to meet the needs of the majority of patients and adherence to the
formulary will be measured. Individual patients may require products
outside the formulary but there should be a justifiable reason. Specialist
products are outside the scope of this formulary.
A number of products that have been selected for the Northern Ireland
Wound Care Formulary are not currently listed on the secondary care
contract. Those formulary choices for which there is an alternative contract
product have been highlighted for your information.
Dressing sizes selected for the Northern Ireland Wound Care Formulary
are available on the Northern Ireland Drug Tariff; some sizes may not be
available in secondary care.

2
Wound Assessment
..............................................................................................................
The systematic assessment of a wound is essential, as it provides baseline
data on which to evaluate wound status or progress and the efficacy of the
treatment regime. The following acronym B.E.S.S.S.O.P. may be useful
B Bed
E Exudate
S Site
S Size
S Surrounding Skin
O Odour
P Pain

Assessment and evaluation should be carried out regularly and the process
should be clearly documented.

RECORD RATIONALE

BED The appearance of the wound bed indicates both the

stage of healing and the health of the wound.
Assessment of the wound bed tissue type often provides
the rationale behind the main treatment objective.
One of the most effective ways to describe tissue type is
by its colour. In general:
Black = Necrotic / Eschar
Yellow = Sloughy
Red = Granulating
Pink = Epithelialising
The type of tissue on the wound bed can be further
quantified through percentages, e.g. 50% red / granulation
+ 50% yellow / slough.
Note
Yellow tissue is not always indicative of slough. It may be
subcutaneous tissue, tendon or bone.
Red tissue may indicate other deep tissue e.g. muscle.

3
EXUDATE Knowledge of the level and type of wound exudate is
extremely important. Exudate and the type of tissue on
the wound bed will influence dressing choice.

Level / amount of exudate may be described as:

• Dry – the wound does not produce exudate
• Low – the wound bed is moist i.e. there is scant or
small amount of exudate
• Moderate – the surrounding skin is wet and there
is exudate in the wound bed
• High – the surrounding skin is saturated (may be
macerated) and the wound is bathed in fluid

Wound exudate may be described as:

• Serous – clear fluid with apparent absence of
blood, pus or other visible debris
• Sanguinous – bloody, appearing to be composed
entirely of blood
• Serosanguinous – blood mixed with obvious
quantities of clear fluid
• Purulent – pus-like in appearance, cloudy yellow
and viscous

SITE It is important to record the site of the wound for the

following reasons:

• To differentiate between wounds

• The position of a wound may suggest its aetiology

• To aid dressing choice

4
SIZE The accurate measurement of the physical size of the
wound is vital for assessing the progress of healing.
Although there are many different ways of measuring
wounds, the most simple and accessible methods
include:
(a) Disposable ruler-based assessment
(b) Transparency tracings
(c) Photography with written informed consent according
to Trust Policy
• In general, cavity wounds may be gently probed
to establish the extent of undermining and / or
depth of hidden extensions. Caution should be
exercised where the wound overlies delicate
structures, e.g. bowel
• Cavity wounds should be lightly packed to allow for
contraction and drainage.
• Measurements should be recorded in metric (mm/cm)
• Weekly measurements are usually sufficient, or
when a change in the wound occurs
• Malignant/fungating wounds are not measured as
a general rule as progression of the disease is likely
and measurements showing increase in size can
cause anxiety.
SURROUND- The condition of the skin surrounding the wound
ING SKIN provides important information about underlying
disease and the effectiveness of current treatment
regimes, e.g. pink / red tissue on the edges may
indicate epithelialisation; maceration may be
indicative of an ineffective dressing regime.

ODOUR Wound odour may be caused by infection, necrotic

tissue or the use of certain dressings. The cause must
be established and where possible rectified, e.g. treat
infection, remove necrotic tissue (if appropriate),
change dressing regime.
Odour is very subjective and difficult to quantify. The
following terms may be useful to describe odour:
• None
• Smell only noticeable on dressing removal and
disappears when the dressing is discarded
• Smell noted prior to dressing removal
• Smell fills the room

5
 PAIN Although pain is subjective, its location, frequency and
severity can be helpful in determining the presence
of underlying disease, infection, the exposure of
nerve endings, the efficacy of local wound care and
psychological need.

Visual or verbal rating scales can help patients

to communicate the level of pain that they are
experiencing.

Selecting a dressing
..............................................................................................................
When selecting a dressing the following should be considered:
• Treatment objective(s)
• Type of wound bed
• Site and size of wound
• Level of exudate
• Condition of surrounding skin
• Presence of odour
• Comfort and cosmetic appearance
• Frequency of dressing change
• Showerproof
• Wipeable (if incontinent)

Never apply a dressing in ignorance. Ask yourself…

• How does this dressing work?
• When should it be used?
• Are there any contra-indications to its use?
• Does the patient have any known allergies?
• What is the method of application and removal?
• Is a secondary dressing required? If yes, which dressing is
appropriate?

Practitioners should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations,

contra-indications, precautions and warnings.

Remember that you are accountable for the decisions

you make!
6
 Debridement

Management Techniques:

• Sharp debridement (only with appropriate training)

• Dressings which promote autolysis, e.g. hydrogels, hydrocolloids
• Larvae (if necrosis is soft / wet)
Necrotic Wounds As necrotic tissue can impair wound healing, removal is necessary for several reasons

..............................................................................................................
• To elicit the full extent / size of the wound
• To elicit what lies beneath, e.g. pus, bone or tendon
Description: • If the necrotic tissue becomes colonised with bacteria it will produce an unpleasan

In some cases it is not appropriate to remove necrotic tissue, e.g. where there is ischa
Necrosis is a term used to describe deadorvascular
tissue, e.g. eschar and slough.
the patient has been deemed unsuitable for reconstruction following assessment b
surgeon.
Within the field of wound care, the term tends to be used to describe
dead tissue which is black / brown in colour. If there is no blood supply, keep it dry.
Consider the underlying cause of the necrosis prior to debridement.
Warning! Sharp debridement should not be undertaken by healthcare professional

In some cases it is not appropriate appropriate

to remove training and experience have been gained.
necrotic tissue, e.g.
where there is ischaemia or the patient has been deemed unsuitable for
reconstruction following assessment byThethechoice of dressing will depend on the depth of the wound and the amount of exud
vascular
anatomical location, clinicalsurgeon.
need and patient preference.

Aim of Treatment:
• Debridement
• Keep avascular wounds dry

Management Techniques:
• Sharp debridement (only with appropriate training)
• Dressings which promote autolysis, e.g. hydrogels, hydrocolloids
• Larvae (if necrosis is soft / wet)
As necrotic tissue can impair wound healing, removal is necessary for
several reasons:
• To elicit the full extent / size of the wound
• To elicit what lies beneath, e.g. pus, bone or tendon
• If the necrotic tissue becomes colonised with bacteria it will produce
an unpleasant odour

Other considerations:
• Necrotic digits (fingers and toes) should be kept dry.
• It may be inappropriate to debride a wound if healing is not a realistic
outcome e.g. patients at end of life.

If there is no blood supply, keep it dry.

Warning! Sharp debridement should not be undertaken by healthcare
professionals unless appropriate training and experience have been gained.

The choice of dressing will depend on the depth of the wound and the
amount of exudate, anatomical location, clinical need and patient preference.

7
Black Necrotic Wounds
(which are assessed as suitable for debridement)

Wound Recommended Size Pack Notes

Type Dressing Size*

Dry / Low Hydrogel

Exudate
†
Activheal® 8g 10 †
Applied via tube.
Hydrogel 15g
Hydrogels are not
Actiform® Cool 5 x 6.5cm 5 recommended for heavily
10 x 10cm 5 exuding wounds.

10 x 15cm 3 Secondary dressing required.

20 x 20cm 3 Hydrogels can be used to

hydrate viable tendons and
IntraSite 10 x 10cm 10 bone
Conformable®
10 x 20cm 10 Hydrogels are single use
10 x 40cm 10 only
Actiform® Cool can dry
out. If this occurs consider
increasing frequency of
dressing change.
IntraSite Conformable®
is not recommended for
neonates.
Honey

Actilite® 5 x 5cm 10 Contra-indicated in patients

10 x 10cm 10 with known sensitivity or
allergy to honey, pollen or
10 x 20cm 10 bee venom
Activon Tube
®
25g 12

Activon® Tulle 5 x 5cm 5

10 x 10cm 5

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

8
Moderate / Alginate
High Exudate
Algosteril® 5 x 5cm 10 May be used for
bleeding wounds
10 x 10cm 10
10 x 20cm 10
Algosteril® Rope 2g 6
It is good practice to
Kaltostat ®1
5 x 5cm 10 record the number of
7.5 x 12cm 10 cavity dressings used.
Leave enough length
10 x 20cm 10 outside the cavity to aid
15 x 25cm 10 removal
Kaltostat® Wound 2g 5
Packing1
Fibrous Hydrocolloid
Aquacel® Ribbon1 1 x 45cm 5 It is good practice to
record the number of
2 x 45cm 5
cavity dressings used.
Aquacel Extra
® 1
5 x 5cm 10 Leave enough length
10 x 10cm 10 outside the cavity to aid
removal
15 x 15cm 5
4 x 10cm 10
4 x 20cm 10
4 x 30cm 10
UrgoClean rope 2.5 x 40cm 5
®

5 x 40cm 5
UrgoClean Pad ®
6 x 6cm 10
10 x 10cm 10
15 x 20cm 10
Honey
Algivon® 5 x 5cm 5 Contra-indicated in
patients with known
10 x10cm 5
sensitivity or allergy to
Algivon Plus
®
2.5 x 20cm 5 honey, pollen or bee
ribbon venom
*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.
Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

9
Sloughy Wounds 9
Sloughy
Description: Wounds
Slough
Slough is a used
is a term termtoused to the
describe describe the accumulation
accumulation of dead
of dead cellular debris cellular
on the wound
surface. It tends to be yellow in colour due to the presence of large amounts of due
debris on the wound surface. It tends to be yellow in colour to the
leucocytes.
presence of large amounts of leucocytes.

Warning! Yellow tissue is not always indicative of slough. You may

Warning! Yellow tissue is not always indicative of slough. You may be looking at
be looking at subcutaneous tissue, tendon or bone.
subcutaneous tissue, tendon or bone.

Aim of treatment:
Aim• of treatment:
Debridement
• Manage exudate
• Debridement
• Management
Manage exudate Techniques:

Management
• SharpTechniques:
debridement
• Dressings which promote autolysis, e.g. hydrogels
• Sharp debridement
• Dressings which manage exudate, e.g. alginates
• Dressings which promote autolysis, e.g. hydrogels
• Larvae
• Dressings which manage exudate, e.g. alginates
• Larvae
Warning! Sharp debridement should not be undertaken by healthcare
professionals unless appropriate training and experience have been
gained.
Warning! Sharp debridement should not be undertaken by healthcare professionals unless
appropriate training and experience have been gained.
The choice of dressing will depend on the depth of the wound and
the amount of exudate, anatomical location, clinical need and patient
Thepreference.
choice of dressing will depend on the depth of the wound and the amount of exudate,
anatomical location, clinical need and patient preference.

10
Yellow Sloughy Wounds

Wound Recommended Size Pack Notes

Type Dressing Size*

Dry / Low Hydrogel

Exudate
†
Activheal® 8g 10 †
Applied via tube.
Hydrogel 15g
Hydrogels are not
Actiform® Cool 5 x 6.5cm 5 recommended for heavily
10 x 10cm 5 exuding wounds.

10 x 15cm 3 Secondary dressing required.

20 x 20cm 3 Hydrogels can be used to

hydrate viable tendons and
IntraSite 10 x 10cm 10 bone
Conformable®
10 x 20cm 10 Hydrogels are single use
10 x 40cm 10 only
Actiform® Cool can dry
out. If this occurs consider
increasing frequency of
dressing change.
IntraSite Conformable®
is not recommended for
neonates.
Honey

Actilite® 5 x 5cm 10 Contra-indicated in patients

10 x 10cm 10 with known sensitivity or
allergy to honey, pollen or
10 x 20cm 10 bee venom
Activon Tube
®
25g 12

Activon® Tulle 5 x 5cm 5

10 x 10cm 5

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

11
Moderate Alginate
/ High
Exudate Algosteril® 5 x 5cm 10 May be used for bleeding
wounds
10 x 10cm 10
10 x 20cm 10 It is good practice to record
Algosteril® Rope 2g 6 the number of cavity
dressings used. Leave
Kaltostat®1 5 x 5cm 10 enough length outside the
7.5 x 12cm 10 cavity to aid removal
10 x 20cm 10
15 x 25cm 10
Kaltostat® Wound 2g 5
Packing1
Fibrous Hydrocolloid
Aquacel® Ribbon1 1 x 45cm 5 It is good practice to record
the number of cavity
2 x 45cm 5
dressings used. Leave
Aquacel Extra
® 1
5 x 5cm 10 enough length outside the
10 x 10cm 10 cavity to aid removal

15 x 15cm 5
4 x 10cm 10
4 x 20cm 10
4 x 30cm 10
UrgoClean rope®
2.5 x 40cm 5
5 x 40cm 5
UrgoClean Pad ®
6 x 6cm 10
10 x 10cm 10
15 x 20cm 10
Honey
Algivon® 5 x 5cm 5 Contra-indicated in patients
with known sensitivity or
10 x10cm 5
allergy to honey, pollen or
Algivon Plus
®
2.5 x 20cm 5 bee venom
ribbon

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

12
 Granulating Wounds

Description:
Granulating Wounds 12
Granulation is the process by which the wound is filled with vascular
Description:
connective tissue. Granulation tissue is usually red and moist and has
an uneven granular appearance. Unhealthy infected granulation tissue
Granulation is thedark
often looks process
andbybleeds
which the wound
very is filled with vascular connective tissue.
easily.
Granulation tissue is usually red and moist and has an uneven granular appearance. Unhealthy
infected
Aim ofgranulation tissue often looks dark and bleeds very easily.
Treatment:

Aim
• ofKeep
Treatment:
wound warm and moist
• Manage exudate
• • Keep wound warm and moist
Protect
• Manage exudate
• Protect
Management Techniques:
Management Techniques:
• All dressings which maintain a warm moist environment can be
used, e.g. hydrogels, fibrous hydrocolloid, hydrocolloids, alginates,
• All dressings which maintain a warm moist environment can be used, e.g. hydrogels, fibrous
foam dressings.
hydrocolloid, hydrocolloids, alginates, foam dressings.
The choice of dressing will depend on the depth of the wound and
the amount of exudate, anatomical location, clinical need and patient
The choice of dressing will depend on the depth of the wound and the amount of exudate,
preference.
anatomical location, clinical need and patient preference.

13
Red Granulating Wounds
Wound Recommended Size Pack Notes
Type Dressing Size*
Dry / Low Hydrogel
Exudate
†
Activheal® 8g 10 †
Applied via tube.
Hydrogel 15g Hydrogels are not
IntraSite 10 x 10 cm 10 recommended for heavily
Conformable® exuding wounds.
10 x 20cm 10
Secondary dressing required.
10 x 40cm 10
Hydrogels can be used to
ActiFormCool® 5 x 6.5cm 5 hydrate viable tendons and bone
10 x 10 cm 5 Hydrogels are single use only
10 x 15cm 3 Actiform® Cool can dry
out. If this occurs consider
20 x 20cm 3
increasing frequency of
dressing change
Low / Impregnated Mesh Dressing
Moderate
Exudate Atrauman® 5 x 5cm 10 / 50 Impregnated with neutral
triglycerides
7.5 x 10cm 10 / 50
10 x 20cm 30
N-A Ultra® 9.5 x 9.5cm 40 Non adherent silicone
dressing.
9.5 x 19cm 25
19 x 19cm 5
Adaptic Touch ®1
5 x 7.6cm 10 Non adherent silicone
dressing
7.6cm x 11cm 10
12.7cm x 10
15cm
20cm x 5
32cm
Silflex® 5 x 7cm 10 Non adherent silicone
dressing.
8 x 10cm 10
12 x 15cm 10 Remove product by
20 x 30cm 10 stretching diagonally.

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

14
 Foam
ActivHeal® 5 x 5cm 10
Non-Adhesive
Foam1 10 x 10cm 10
(First choice in 10 x 20cm 10
primary care)
20 x 20cm 10
ActivHeal® Foam 7.5 x 7.5 cm 10
Adhesive1
(First choice in 10 x 10cm 10
primary care) 12.5 x 12.5cm 10
15 x 15cm 10
20 x 20cm 10
Allevyn® Non- 5 x 5cm 10
Adhesive
(Second choice) 10 x 10cm 10
10 x 20cm 10
20 x 20cm 10
Allevyn® Adhesive 7.5 x 7.5 cm 10
(Second choice)
10 x 10cm 10
12.5 x 12.5cm 10
17.5 x 17.5cm 10
12.5 x 22.5cm 10
22.5 x 22.5cm 10
ActivHeal® Foam 12 x 18cm 5
Heel1 NB Heel dressings are NOT
Tegaderm® Foam 13.9 x 13.9cm 5 pressure relieving devices
Adhesive Heel1
Tegaderm® Foam 6.9 x 6.9cm 10
Adhesive Soft
Cloth Border
Hydrocolloid
DuoDERM® Extra 7.5 x 7.5cm 5 Occlusive dressing.
Thin 10 x 10cm 10 Not recommended for
moderate / heavy exudate
15 x 15cm 10 wounds
5 x 10cm 10 Not recommended for
clinically infected wounds or
5 x 20cm 10 the diabetic foot.
9 x 15cm 10 Can produce a distinctive
odour.
9 x 25cm 10
No secondary dressing
9 x 35cm 10 required.
*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.
Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate 15
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract
Moderate Alginate
/ High
Exudate Algosteril® 5 x 5cm 10 May be used for bleeding
wounds
10 x 10cm 10
10 x 20cm 10 It is good practice to record
Algosteril® Rope 2g 6 the number of cavity
dressings used. Leave
Kaltostat®1 5 x 5cm 10 enough length outside the
7.5 x 12cm 10 cavity to aid removal

10 x 20cm 10
15 x 25cm 10
Kaltostat Wound 2g
®
5
Packing1
Fibrous Hydrocolloid

Aquacel® Ribbon1 1 x 45cm 5 It is good practice to record

the number of cavity
2 x 45cm 5
dressings used. Leave
Aquacel® Extra1 5 x 5cm 10 enough length outside the
10 x 10cm 10 cavity to aid removal

15 x 15cm 5
4 x 10cm 10
4 x 20cm 10
4 x 30cm 10
UrgoClean rope®
2.5 x 40cm 5
5 x 40cm 5
UrgoClean Pad ®
6 x 6cm 10
10 x 10cm 10
15 x 20cm 10

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

16
 Aim of Treatment:

• To prevent further overgranulation

Management Techniques:

There is little evidence to support any particular treatment regimen; however foam dressings
have been used. If in doubt, contact your local Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist / Wound
Overgranulating Wounds Management Practitioner / Specialist Podiatrist.

Presents clinically as granulation tissue raised

above the level of the surrounding skin. The
presence of overgranulation delays wound
healing. Over granulation is thought to be
caused by an altered inflammatory response
due to, e.g. a foreign body, infection, friction,
poorly managed exudate and occlusive
dressings. The cause needs to be identified andWounds
Epithelialising 1
managed. Description:

Epithelialisation is the process by which the wound is covered with epithelial cells. This proces
Aim of Treatment: can be recognised by the presence of pink tissue which migrates from the wound edges and /
or the remnants of hair follicles in the wound bed.

• To prevent further overgranulation Epithelial cells will only migrate over living granulating tissue. Epithelialisation occurs 2-3 time
quicker in a warm, moist environment.

Aim of Treatment:
Management Techniques:
• Keep wound warm and moist
• Manage exudate
There is little evidence to support any• particular
Protect treatment regimen;
however foam dressings have been used. If in doubt, contact your local
Management Techniques:
Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist / Wound Management Practitioner /
• All dressings which maintain a warm moist environment can be used, e.g. non-adherent
Specialist Podiatrist. dressings, vapour-permeable films, hydrocolloids, foams.

Epithelialising Wounds

Epithelialisation is the process by which the

wound is covered with epithelial cells. This
process can be recognised by the presence
of pink tissue which migrates from the wound
edges and / or the remnants of hair follicles in
the wound bed.

Epithelial cells will only migrate over living granulating tissue.

Epithelialisation occurs 2-3 times quicker in a warm, moist environment.

Aim of Treatment:

• Keep wound warm and moist

• Manage exudate
• Protect

Management Techniques:

All dressings which maintain a warm moist environment can be used,

e.g. non-adherent dressings, vapour-permeable films, hydrocolloids,
foams

17
Pink Epithelialising Wounds
Wound Recommended Size Pack Notes
Type Dressing Size*

Dry / Low Semi-permeable

Exudate
Hydrofilm®1 6 x 7cm 10 Careful removal necessary,
otherwise skin surrounding
10 x 12.5cm 10 the wound may be
10 damaged. Dressings should
10 x 15cm be lifted and stretched away
10 x 25cm 25 from the skin in the direction
of hair growth.
12 x 25cm 25

15 x 20cm 10

20 x 30cm 10

Silicone

N-A Ultra® 9.5 x 9.5cm 40 Non-adherent silicone

dressing
9.5 x 19cm 25

19 x 19cm 5

Adaptic Touch®1 5 x 7.6cm 10 Non-adherent silicone

dressing
7.6cm x 10
11cm

12.7cm x 10
15cm

20cm x 5
32cm
Silflex® 5 x 7cm 10 Non-adherent silicone
dressing.
8 x 10cm 10
Remove product by
12 x 15cm 10
stretching diagonally.
20 x 30cm 10

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

18
Low / Foam
Moderate
Exudate ActivHeal® 5 x 5cm 10
Non-Adhesive
10 x 10cm 10
Foam1
(First choice in 10 x 20cm 10
primary care) 20 x 20cm 10
ActivHeal® Foam 7.5 x 7.5 cm 10
Adhesive1
10 x 10cm 10
(First choice in
primary care) 12.5 x 10
12.5cm
15 x 15cm 10
20 x 20cm 10
Allevyn Non-
®
5 x 5cm 10
Adhesive
10 x 10cm 10
(Second choice)
10 x 20cm 10
20 x 20cm 10
Allevyn® Adhesive 7.5 x 7.5 cm 10
(Second choice)
10 x 10cm 10
12.5 x 10
12.5cm
17.5 x 10
17.5cm
12.5 x 10
22.5cm
22.5 x 10
22.5cm
ActivHeal® Foam 12 x 18cm 5 NB Heel dressings are NOT
Heel1 pressure relieving devices
Tegaderm® Foam 13.9 x 5
Adhesive Heel1 13.9cm
Tegaderm® Foam 6.9 x 6.9cm 10
Adhesive Soft
Cloth Border1

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

19
 Hydrocolloid

DuoDERM® Extra 7.5 x 7.5cm 5 Occlusive dressing.

Thin
10 x 10cm 10 Not recommended for
moderate / heavy exudate
15 x 15cm 10 wounds

5 x 10cm 10 Not recommended for

clinically infected wounds or
5 x 20cm 10 the diabetic foot.
9 x 15cm 10 Can produce a distinctive
odour.
9 x 25cm 10
No secondary dressing
9 x 35cm 10 required.

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

20
 Description:

Infection occurs when pathogenic micro-organisms deposit in the wound and evoke a reaction
from the host.

Signs of infection may include:

Infected Wounds
• Delayed healing / dehiscence
• Unexpected pain or increasing wound
Description: pain
• Malodour
• Abscess / sinus formation
Infection occurs when pathogenic
• micro- Localised swelling, redness or heat
organisms deposit in the• wound and evoke a (new or increasing)
Cellulitis
reaction from the host. • Increased level of exudate / purulent
discharge
Signs of infection may include:
• Pyrexia, rigors or tachycardia
• Friable tissue which bleeds easily
• Delayed healing / dehiscence
Patients who are immunocompromised including those with diabetes may not show the
• Unexpected pain or increasing wound pain
classic signs of infection.

• Malodour Aim of Treatment:

• Abscess / sinus formation

• Patient will be free from pain, discomfort and infection
• To promote wound healing
• Localised swelling, redness or heat (new or increasing)
• Cellulitis Management Techniques:

• Increased level of exudate / purulent discharge

• Standard prevention and infection control precautions, i.e. hand washing, plastic aprons
and gloves
• Pyrexia, increased respiration
• Swab wound for rate, rigors
‘Organisms or tachycardia
and Sensitivities’ when the wound appears clinically infected,
and record all appropriate information on a microbiology form (refer to HSC Trust guidelines)
• Friable tissue which bleeds easily
• Daily dressings unless advised otherwise, treat the wound according to the type of tissue on
the wound bed
• Biofilm (Many times biofilms
• It may be are
prudentnot seen.
to avoid They
all occlusive areif anaerobic
dressings microscopic but or
infection is suspected
can present themselves cultured
as a shiny film.)
Patients with a clinically infected wound
Patients who are immunocompromisedrequireincluding those with
a systemic antibiotic.
diabetes may not show the classic signs of infection.

Aim of Treatment:

• Patient will be free from pain, discomfort and infection

• To promote wound healing
Management Techniques:

• Standard prevention and infection control precautions

• Swab wound for ‘Organisms and Sensitivities’ when the wound
appears clinically infected, and record all appropriate information on
a microbiology form (refer to HSC Trust guidelines)
• Daily dressings unless advised otherwise, treat the wound according
to the type of tissue on the wound bed
• It may be prudent to avoid all occlusive dressings if anaerobic
infection is suspected or cultured

Patients with a clinically infected wound may require a

systemic antibiotic – use clinical judgement
Think – could this be sepsis?
Refer to Primary Care Antimicrobial Guidelines and Trust Antimicrobial Guidelines
21
Clinically Infected Wounds

Wound Recommended Size Pack Notes

Type Dressing Size*

Low Povidine-Iodine
Exudate Inadine® 5 x 5cm 25 Contra-indicated in
severe renal impairment,
pregnancy and breast-
9.5 x 9.5cm 10 / 25 feeding; use with caution in
patients with thyroid disease
and in children under 6
months.
Do not use on large wounds
due to absorption of iodine.
Antibacterial effect is
reduced in presence of pus
and exudate.
Silver
Urgotul® Silver 10 x 12cm 16 Remove silver dressings
prior to radiotherapy and
MRI scans.
15 x 20cm 16 Not for routine use
Not recommended
for healthy wounds /
granulating wounds with no
signs of infection (may delay
wound healing)
Contra-indicated in known
sensitisation to silver
Honey
Actilite® 5 x 5cm 10 Contra-indicated in patients
with known sensitivity or
10 x 10cm 10
allergy to honey, pollen or
10 x 20cm 10 bee venom
Activon Tube
®
25g 12
Activon Tulle
®
5 x 5cm 5
10 x 10cm 5

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

22
Moderate Cadexomer-Iodine
/ High
Exudate Iodoflex® 5g 5 Do not use on dry necrotic
tissue or on patients with a
10g 3 known sensitivity to any of its
ingredients. Do not use on
17g 2 children, pregnant or lactating
Iodosorb ®
10g 4 women or people with thyroid
disorders or renal impairment
Ointment
20g 2 No more than 50g per
Iodosorb Powder 3g
®
7 application and no more than
150g should be applied during
the course of one week. A
single course of treatment
should not exceed 3 months.
Charcoal
Carboflex® 10 x 10cm 10 Absorbent wound contact
layer must be placed facing the
8 x 15cm 5 wound.
15 x 20cm 5
Clinisorb ®
10 x 10cm 10
10 x 20cm 10
15 x 25cm 10
Silver

Aquacel® Ag 1 x 45cm 5 Remove silver dressings prior

Ribbon to radiotherapy and MRI
2 x 45cm 5 scans.
Or
Aquacel® Ag + Not for routine use
Ribbon1 Not recommended for healthy
wounds /granulating wounds
Aquacel® Ag Extra 5 x 5cm 10 with no signs of infection (may
Or 10 x 10cm delay wound healing)
10
Aquacel® Ag + Contra-indicated in known
Extra1 15 x 15cm 5 sensitisation to silver
20 x 30cm 5
Honey
Algivon® 5 x 5cm 5 Contra-indicated in patients
with known sensitivity or allergy
10 x 10cm 5 to honey, pollen or bee venom

Note: Hydrocolloid dressings are not recommended for clinically infected wounds.
Antimicrobial dressings have a limited place in therapy and should not be used for
longer than 2-4 weeks without discussion with a local wound management specialist.
They are not suitable for repeat prescribing.
*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.
Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

23
Additional Items

Wound Recommended Size Pack Notes

Type Dressing Size*
Dry / Low Premierpore® 5 x 7cm 50 Low absorbent dressing with
Exudate adhesive border
10 x 10cm 50

10 x 15cm 50

10 x 20cm 50

10 x 25cm 50

10 x 30cm 50

10 x 35cm 50
Premierpore VP ®1
5 x 7cm 50 Adhesive vapour permeable
dressing with low fluid
10 x 10cm 50 handling

10 x 15cm 50

10 x 20cm 50

10 x 25cm 50

10 x 30cm 50

10 x 35cm 50
365 Transparent 5 x 7.2cm 50 Adhesive vapour permeable
Island dressing with low fluid
8.5 x 9.5cm 50 handling

8.5 x 50
15.5cm

10 x 25cm 50

12 x 10cm 50

20 x 10cm 50

30 x 10cm 50

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

24
Moderate CovaWound® 5 x 7.5cm 10 Can be applied direct
/ High SuperAbsorbent to wound bed or in
10 x 10cm 10
Exudate conjunction with other
15 x 15cm 10 primary wound contact
12 x 20cm 10 dressings

20 x 20cm 10
20 x 30cm 10
Mesorb ®1
10 x 10cm 10 Absorbent dressing with
fluid repellent backing.
10 x 15cm 10/50
10 x 20cm 10
15 x 20cm 10
20 x 25cm 10
20 x 30cm 10
Skin Medi Derma-S® Tube 28g 1 Use on intact skin or for mild
Protector barrier cream skin damage
Tube 90g 1
Do not use on infected skin
2g sachets 20
Medi Derma-S® Pump spray 1 Can be used on broken skin.
Film 30ml Do not use on infected skin
Aerosol 1 Extremely flammable in
50ml liquid form
Applicator 5
1ml
Applicator 5
3ml
Cavilon® cream Tube 28g 1 Use on intact skin.
Tube 92g 1 Do not use on infected skin
Sachet 2g 20
Applicator 5 / 25 Can be used on broken skin.
1ml Do not use on infected skin
Applicator 5 / 25
3ml
Cavilon® Spray 28ml 1 / 12 Do not use on infected skin
Extremely flammable in
liquid form

*Pack size information is provided for community pharmacy ordering purposes.

Individual prescriptions may be issued for smaller quantities as appropriate
1
Alternative product on secondary care contract

25
Notes

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