Appropriate Dressings to Use with Venelex
Venelex should be used with nonadherent dressings such as Mepitel™ or Telfa™ as the primary dressing, followed by a secondary foam or burn dressing like Exu-Dry™ to collect exudate.
Primary Dressing Selection
- Nonadherent dressings should be applied directly over Venelex to prevent adherence to the wound bed and allow for atraumatic removal 1
- Suitable primary dressings include Mepitel™ or Telfa™, which provide a protective interface between the wound and secondary dressing 1
- The primary dressing should be placed directly over the wound area where Venelex has been applied to maintain the therapeutic effect while preventing adherence 1
Secondary Dressing Selection
- A secondary foam or burn dressing should be used over the primary dressing to collect exudate 1
- Suitable secondary dressings include Exu-Dry™ or similar foam-based dressings that can manage wound fluid effectively 1
- Foam dressings are particularly beneficial as they can absorb excess exudate while maintaining a moist wound environment 2
Application Technique
- First, gently cleanse the wound using warmed sterile water, saline, or an antimicrobial solution such as chlorhexidine (1/5000) 1
- Apply Venelex to the wound bed as a greasy emollient 1
- Place the nonadherent primary dressing (Mepitel™ or Telfa™) directly over the Venelex-covered area 1
- Secure with an appropriate secondary foam dressing to collect exudate and provide protection 1
Dressing Change Frequency
- Dressings should be changed when they become damp, loosened, or soiled 1
- For sterile gauze dressings, replacement every 2 days is recommended 1
- For transparent dressings, replacement every seven days is appropriate 1
- More frequent changes may be necessary for heavily exuding wounds 3
Special Considerations
- For sloughy areas, consider applying a topical antimicrobial agent before Venelex application 1
- Silver-containing products/dressings may be considered for infected wounds, but use should be limited if treating extensive areas due to potential absorption 1
- If the wound site is bleeding or oozing, sterile gauze dressing is preferable as the secondary dressing 1
Pitfalls and Caveats
- Avoid preparations containing sensitizers or irritants that may interact with Venelex 1
- Do not use topical antimicrobial treatments routinely at the insertion site as they may promote fungal infection, antimicrobial resistance, and damage the surface of the wound 1
- Ensure the dressing is properly sized to cover the entire wound area without extending too far onto healthy skin to prevent maceration 4
- Monitor for signs of infection or allergic reaction to the dressing materials 1