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How to Apply Acticoat

According to Smith and Nephew, Acticoat creates an environment for wound healing, with silver technology. Acticoat is applied to various wounds and burns, preventing infections and allowing the wound to heal. Acticoat dressing has three layers. The two outer layers are coated with time-released silver that prevents bacteria growth, and the third absorbent inner layer keeps the wound moist and hydrated.

Things You'll Need

  • Acticoat dressing
  • Oil-free mild soap or cleanser
  • Clean cup
  • Clean washcloth
  • 2 clean towels
  • Cotton balls
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Scissors
  • Sterile water
  • Clean microfiber towel
  • Sterile gauze roll
  • Adhesive or surgical tape
  • Plastic wrap or bag
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Instructions

  1. Application

    • 1

      Wash hands thoroughly with soap. Avoid soaps with oils and moisturizers.

    • 2

      Pour a cup of cool tap water over the wound to flush out any dirt and germs. Cleanse the skin around the wound with mild soap and a soft, clean washcloth. Avoid getting soap directly into the wound, causing irritation. Rinse the soap off thoroughly with cool water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Do not use an oil-based cleanser.

    • 3

      Dampen a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol. Wipe off the scissor blades with the cotton ball, disinfecting them. Place the scissors on a clean towel to dry.

    • 4

      Remove Acticoat dressing from package. Using your sterilized scissors, cut the dressing to the size and shape of your wound.

    • 5

      Dampen the Acticoat with sterile water. Do not use saline water.

    • 6

      Place the dressing on a sterile, absorbent surface, such as a clean microfiber towel, to drain any excess water for 2 minutes.

    • 7

      Cover your wound with the Acticoat dressing. Use either side.

    • 8

      Cut a piece of sterile gauze from the roll to the size, or slightly larger of your Acticoat dressing. Moisten the gauze with sterile (not saline) water, and cover the Acticoat dressing with it.

    • 9

      Cover the moist gauze dressing with additional gauze wrappings to secure it in place. Using your gauze roll, loosely roll the gauze around the moist dressing. As you are wrapping, overlap each previous layer of gauze by a ½ inch and wrap towards the center of your body. For example, if you are wrapping your leg, start at your ankle, and wrap towards your knee. Continue to wrap in this overlapping style until the Acticoat and moist gauze dressing is secure. Tape the end of the gauze with adhesive or surgical tape if needed.

    Maintenance

    • 10

      Change the gauze dressing after 24 hours. If the Acticoat is stuck to the wound, it does not need any outer dressing. If you are concerned that the Acticoat will get dirty or catch on your clothes, wrap fresh gauze over the dressing.

    • 11

      Check your wound every day for pus drainage, foul smells, and red or swollen surrounding skin. Contact your physician immediately if you have these symptoms.

    • 12

      Dampen the Acticoat dressing with tap water every 12 hours, or as directed by your physician. Do not use saline water, and avoid saturating the dressing.

    • 13

      Cover the dressing with plastic wrap or a plastic bag while showering.

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