Polysaccharide dressings are suitable for sloughy wounds with moderate to high levels of exudate. They must not be used on dry wounds. Apply the dressing to the wound surface and renew when saturated. An appropriate secondary dressing should be applied.

Do not exceed 50g in a single application or 150g of ointment/paste in one week or more than 3 months single course of treatment. Maximum = 4 dressings per time.

Caution: Iodine based products are contra-indicated with thyroid disease, in those receiving lithium, in pregnancy and breast-feeding, and use in children under 2 years old; caution in patients with severe renal impairment. Patients may develop sensitivity to iodine preparations. Systemic absorption may occur, particularly if the treated area is large.

Treatment should not exceed 3 months continuous use due to risk of systemic absorption.

Used for diabetic foot ulcers.

Iodosorb

• Cadexomer-iodine ointment 0.9%: 10g (£4.97), 20g (£9.93)

Notes

1. Change frequency / wear time = up to 72 hours (3 times a week)

Iodoflex

• Cadexomer-iodine paste 0.9%: 5g (£4.50), 10g (£8.99), 17g (£14.24)

Notes

1. Change frequency / wear time = up to 72 hours (3 times a week). Maximum 150g in 7 days

Povidone-iodine fabric dressing

Inadine

• 5cm x 5cm (£0.34), 9.5cm x 9.5cm (£0.51)

Notes

1. Inadine dressing should be changed when the dressing goes white in colour. A transparent secondary dressing should facilitate this observation