Case Study Series Evaluating the Use of an All-In-One, Self-Adherent, Soft Silicone Foam Dressing in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

Background and Aim
Among other characteristics, dressings should provide effective exudate management, and minimise wound/peri-wound trauma and pain.¹ An eight-patient case study series was undertaken to evaluate the performance of a self-adherent, soft silicone foam dressing* in the management of exuding diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with various aetiologies.

Methods
Dressings* were applied in conjunction with standard care and were changed per local clinical practice or when the dressing became saturated and at every follow-up clinic visit; between scheduled visits, dressings were changed per patient/clinician discretion. At each clinic visit, wound size and healing progression (wound tissue type, peri-wound condition, clinical signs of wound infection, exudate level/nature), and pain during dressing change (using a visual analogue scale) were assessed.

Results
The dressings* demonstrated effective exudate management and helped minimise disturbance to the wound healing process. At the end of the follow-up period (between 20 and 28 days), most wounds had reduced in size. The dressings facilitated easy application and removal and allowed for easy wound inspection without loss of adherence.

Conclusions
In this case study series, the dressings under evaluation* helped optimise the wound healing process, providing several key dressing characteristics, in the management of exuding DFUs even in difficult-to-dress areas.

References
1. Haycocks, S., Chadwick, P., Davies, P. Case series: Mepilex® Border Comfort in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with exudate. Diabetic Foot Journal 2018;21(4):265-271

*Mepilex® Border Comfort (available as Mepilex® Border Flex outside of the United Kingdom)