What is ActiFormCool?

• ActiFormCool is an ionic sheet hydrogel for painful wounds.

Who is ActiFormCool for?

• Patients with painful wounds and skin conditions such as: radiation therapy damage, EB, pressure necrosis and exposed tendons and burns and scalds.
• ActiFormCool has been safely used on neonates.

Using ActiFormCool

• ActiFormCool can be used under compression on moderate to highly exuding wounds.
• ActiFormCool has been shown to reduce the amount of oral analgesia patients require.
• Nationwide evaluation tests on ActiFormCool, led by Tissue Viability nurse Sylvie Hampton, have shown a significant reduction in pain and exudate across leg ulcer patients

Application instructions

1. Remove sterile dressing from the package.

2. For treating larger areas several dressings may be used side by side. For smaller areas/wounds the dressing may be cut to size.

3. Peel off one half of the white plastic liners, position on the wound or skin, smooth into place and peel off the remaining half.

4. Secure with a suitable bandage, tape or compression system.

5. Where extra absorbency is required the dressing may be layered by removing the top liner of the first dressing and then applying a second dressing. Absorbent pads may be used.

Frequency of change

• ActiFormCool^® should be changed as often as the wound/condition dictates.
• As with all absorptive dressings, frequent monitoring is required to ensure the dressing does not dry out and adhere to the wound.
• The dressing should be changed when it becomes cloudy or opaque from fluid absorption.
• The dressing should be changed at the first sign of fluid strike through.
• If infection is suspected, frequent changes and monitoring are advised.

Removal instructions

1. Lift one corner and gently peel off the dressing.

2. If the dressing has dried out, soak with water or saline to rehydrate it, then peel off as per step 1.

3. As fluid is absorbed into the dressing it takes on a jelly like appearance, taking on the colour of the exudate. This is normal and shows absorption has occurred.

Indications

• To manage nociceptive wound pain, to assist in autolytic debridement by hydration of necrotic and sloughy tissue and for absorption of exudate.
• Suitable on painful wounds and skin conditions such as leg ulcers, radiation therapy damage, burns and scalds.
• It may be used with secondary dressings where appropriate.
• ActiFormCool can be used under compression on moderate to highly exuding wounds.
• ActiFormCool has been used safely on neonates and is low sensitivity dressing.

Contra indications

ActiFormCool^® should not be used as a covering on deep, narrow cavities or sinuses.

Warnings & precautions

• Accurate wound and patient assessment is essential before commencing treatment.
• Haemostasis should be achieved proir to dressing application.
• The wound should be checked frequently. The absorption process may be rapid with ActiFormCool and the wound may become drier than expected.
• Close nursing supervision is advised when used on lightly exuding wounds.
• As with all dressings, skin and wound monitoring is advised, particularly where clinical infection is suspected. In this case, appropriate antibiotics should be given.