Melolin Sterile Absorbent Dressing

Melolin may be used on its own to dress dry sutured wounds, superficial cuts and abrasions, and other lightly exuding lesions. It may also be used as the primary wound contact layer for more heavily exuding wounds, if backed by a second absorbent dressing. Melolin consists of a ...Melolin may be used on its own to dress dry sutured wounds, superficial cuts and abrasions, and other lightly exuding lesions.

It may also be used as the primary wound contact layer for more heavily exuding wounds, if backed by a second absorbent dressing. Melolin consists of a film of polyethylene terephthalate, onto which is bonded an absorbent layer consisting of a mixture of cotton and polyacrylonitrile fibres, backed with a layer of an apertured non-woven cellulose fabric. The plastic film is present to prevent the dressing adhering to the surface of the wound, and is perforated to allow the passage of exudate from the wound into the body of the pad.

In common with other perforated plastic film dressings, Melolin should be used with caution in the treatment of leg ulcers that produce copious quantities of very viscous exudate. Under these circumstances, the exudate may become trapped under the dressing, leading to maceration and inflammation of the surrounding skin. Melolin has a relatively low absorbent capacity and is therefore intended for use on lightly exuding wounds.

In these situations, a single dressing may simply be secured in position with surgical tape. On more heavily exuding wounds, Melolin may be used as a wound contact layer, beneath a secondary absorbent pad held in position with tape or a bandage. The frequency with which the dressing should be changed depends entirely upon the nature and condition of the wound.