How to Remove Duoderm

DuoDERM is a specific brand of dressing used for treating and protecting wounds. It can be applied to leg ulcers, or other injuries which heal slowly. The dressing prevents bacteria entering the wound, and consequently keeps the area clean. When the bandage needs to be changed, you need to remove the old DuoDERM patch and replace it. This is a delicate procedure because you need to avoid damaging the wound further by tearing skin or scabs away from the site.

Things You'll Need

• Saline solution
• Cotton balls

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Instructions

• 1

  Position yourself or the patient comfortably. Sit upright in bed with your leg stretched out, or place your arm on a steady soft surface. If you are removing someone else's dressing, get the patient to lie down and relax.

• 2

  Hold one corner of the DuoDERM patch. Press the other hand on the undamaged skin next to the patch, and pull it taut.

• 3

  Pull the corner of the DuoDERM patch away from the skin. Hold it at a shallow angle against the skin to reduce discomfort. Keep pulling the skin back with the other hand to help the patch peel away.

• 4

  Dampen a cotton ball with saline solution, and blot it around the edges of the DuoDERM dressing to soften the adhesive. Squirt more solution directly onto the dressing if it does not loosen.

• 5

  Continue to draw the dressing away from the surface of the skin. Be firm but gentle when you do this. If the skin is torn beneath the dressing, do not pull the patch off. Leave it to dislodge independently.