Applying and Managing Mepitel Dressing for Wound Care
Mepitel is a non-adherent silicone-based dressing that should be applied directly to the wound surface with a secondary dressing on top to collect exudate and provide protection. 1
What is Mepitel?
Mepitel is a silicone-coated nylon dressing with Safetac technology that:
- Creates a non-adherent interface between the wound and secondary dressings
- Prevents trauma to healing tissue during dressing changes
- Minimizes pain during dressing changes
- Can remain in place for up to 14 days while secondary dressings are changed 2, 3
Application Technique
Step 1: Wound Preparation
- Gently cleanse the wound using warm sterile water, saline, or a mild antimicrobial solution such as chlorhexidine (1/5000) 1, 4
- Decompress any blisters by piercing and gently expressing or aspirating fluid 4
- Leave detached epidermis in place to act as a biological dressing 1, 4
Step 2: Applying Mepitel
- Select appropriate size Mepitel sheet that extends 1-2 cm beyond wound edges
- Remove the protective film on one side of the dressing
- Apply the dressing directly to the wound surface with the adhesive side down
- Remove the remaining protective film after positioning 3
- Ensure the dressing lies flat against the wound bed without wrinkles or folds
Step 3: Secondary Dressing Application
- Apply an appropriate secondary dressing over the Mepitel layer:
- For heavily exuding wounds: Use a foam dressing (e.g., Exu-Dry) 1
- For moderately exuding wounds: Use an absorbent pad
- For minimally exuding wounds: Use a simple gauze or non-adherent pad
Step 4: Securing the Dressing
- Secure the secondary dressing with bandages, tape, or tubular retention bandages
- Avoid placing adhesive tape directly on fragile skin
- Consider using soft silicone tapes instead of traditional adhesives to prevent skin damage 4
Managing the Dressing
Dressing Change Frequency
- Mepitel can remain in place for up to 14 days 2
- Change only the secondary dressing as needed based on exudate levels (typically every 1-3 days) 4
- Leave the Mepitel layer undisturbed to prevent disruption of healing tissue
When to Change Mepitel Layer
- If it becomes saturated with exudate
- If it lifts from the wound bed
- If signs of infection develop
- If it becomes dislodged or damaged
Monitoring the Wound
- Regularly inspect the wound through the transparent Mepitel dressing 2
- Take swabs for bacterial and candidal culture from three areas of lesional skin if infection is suspected, particularly sloughy or crusted areas 1
- Monitor for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pain, or purulent discharge 4
Special Considerations
For Specific Wound Types
- Skin grafts: Mepitel helps prevent shearing forces that could disrupt graft adherence 5
- Burns: Mepitel has been shown to reduce healing time compared to silver sulfadiazine in pediatric burn patients 6
- Urogenital wounds: Mepitel can be used to prevent adhesions in eroded areas of the vulva and vagina 1
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Wound adherence: Ensure the wound bed is moist before applying Mepitel
- Infection: Monitor regularly and administer systemic antibiotics only if clinical signs of infection appear 1
- Exudate management: Select appropriate secondary dressing based on exudate levels
- Skin maceration: Ensure Mepitel extends beyond wound edges to protect surrounding skin
- Dressing displacement: Secure properly with appropriate secondary dressings and fixation
Benefits of Mepitel Over Traditional Dressings
- Atraumatic and virtually pain-free dressing changes 3
- Allows wound inspection without removal 2
- Prevents adherence to the wound bed 3
- Facilitates undisturbed wound healing 5, 2
- Can be used with various secondary dressings 2
- Reduces healing time in some wound types 6
By following these guidelines, you can effectively apply and manage Mepitel dressings to promote optimal wound healing while minimizing pain and trauma during dressing changes.