The use of Algivon and Advazorb Border on a skin tear to the leg

The use of Algivon and Advazorb Border on a skin tear to the leg

Lorraine Bell - Staff Nurse, Auchterarder, NHS Tayside

Introduction

MI is an 81 year old lady. Her past medical history includes osteoporosis, arthritis, COPD and peripheral neuropathy affecting her legs and feet. This lady suffers from pitting oedema of the lower legs and has been advised to wear compression stockings and to elevate her legs. Diuretics were discontinued during a recent hospital admission and were not restarted as it could affect her renal function.

 

laceration (pre-tibial left leg) sustained on 29/04/12. The wound was initially steri-stripped and progressed to twice weekly dressing changes using Mepitel, Inadine, Mepilex Lite, padding and bandaging. As the wound continued to progress the secondary dressing choice was Allevyn Adhesive which was uncomfortable to be removed at dressing changes. Complications delayed the healing process, infection which was treated with antibiotics, analgesia was prescribed for pain and also oedema persisted.

The right leg developed a blister on 28/05/12 which became necrotic and progressed to ulceration on 07/06/12.

16/7/12 Right leg: Sloughy; dressings changed to Algivon (alginate dressing impregnated with 100% Manuka honey) and Advazorb Border (hydrophilic foam dressing with soft silicone wound contact layer and border). Left leg: Activon and Advazorb Border applied as this ulcer was healing well.

18/07/12 MI definitely found the Advazorb Border dressings much more comfortable and less traumatic at dressing changes.

The right leg continued to deslough well with Algivon and dressing changes were increased to 3 times per week.

The dressings changed back to Advazorb Border on 13/08/12 which eased the pain at dressing change (her skin was very fragile and tender).

03/09/12 Left leg ulcer healed, right leg had an area of over granulation and a foam dressing was applied, this was healed completely on 09/10/12 and thereafter the patient was admitted to hospital with exacerbation of COPD..

The final photos were taken 13/12/12.