Pilot-study switchable film dressing & elderly skin/patients with chronic wounds: A non-interventional, non-placebo-controlled, national pilot study

Aim

Film dressings were one of the first modern wound-dressing products. During the removal of the dressing skin stress occurs. An essential role is shearing force between skin and wound dressing playing [3]. This problem includes missing elasticity, flexibility and too strong adhesion [3,4].

The present study was initiated to evaluate if the switchable formulation of the adhesive ensures a durable and strong enough adhesion. Illumination of the film dressing with the UV-A lamp irreversibly switches the adhesion from strong to weak and guarantees a painless/comfortable removal of the dressing.

Methods

The present study evaluated suitability for use as well as user and patient satisfaction during use of the tested film on patients with chronic wounds. The used film dressing consists of a thin film backing with a non‑latex adhesive. Before removal the adhesion is reduced by illuminating the dressing with the UV-A lamp.

Results

54 patients were included in the study. At each dressing change, pain level after dressing change was rated lower compared to the pain level before dressing change. Overall, pain level decreased over the study period. Reactions on the wound edge/wound surroundings have not been reported.

Discussion

The clinicians gave favourable scores for the tested film dressing. The overall satisfaction with the product was rated very good. Tolerability such as pain during wearing the dressing and upon removal were given good scores. Skin irritation caused in the use of the film dressing did not occur.

Conclusion

The switchable function of the adhesive allows the adhesion of the film dressing to the skin to be reduced when illuminated by the supplied UV-A lamp. The results of the present study show that the reduced adhesion upon illumination enables easy and comfortable removal of the dressing.