How to Apply DuoDERM

DuoDerm is an adhesive patch that helps keep wounds moist so they heal more quickly. These patches are commonly used to treat pressure sores, ulcerations, small surgical incisions, burns and lacerations that are healing slowly. DuoDerm is latex-free so that it may be used on people who are allergic to latex. Although often used in hospitals and doctor's offices, DuoDerm is available without a prescription and is carried by many drugstores.

Things You'll Need

• Hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial soap
• Antibacterial ointment
• Skin-Prep
• DuoDerm patch
• Adhesive tape (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial soap.

• 2

  Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound to prevent infection. Be careful to keep the ointment on the wound only and avoid the area around the wound where the DuoDerm patch will need to adhere to the skin.

• 3

  Apply Skin-Prep to the area around the wound, if desired. Skin-Prep will help the DuoDerm stick and will also aid in ensuring that the DuoDerm adhesive is not left on the skin when the patch is removed.

• 4

  Cut a DuoDerm patch so that it is large enough to cover the wound, extending beyond the wound by about 1 inch on all sides.

• 5

  Peel the backing off of the DuoDerm patch and place it over the wound. Make sure the sticky side of the patch is facing the wound. If necessary, secure the edges of the DuoDerm patch with adhesive tape.