ALLEVYN ADHESIVE DRESSING

Wound dressings that manage exudate effectively while staying in place comfortably can make a significant difference to patient experience and treatment outcomes. ALLEVYN Adhesive is a hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing with an integrated self-adhesive border. It is designed for moderate to heavily exuding wounds across a wide range of clinical settings, from chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers and leg ulcers to post operative wounds and acute injuries. The adhesive border means no separate secondary dressing is needed for most wounds. The film backing allows moisture vapour to escape while remaining waterproof to external fluids, so patients can shower while wearing it. No prescription is required.

ALLEVYN Adhesive is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Smith+Nephew. It is a three-layer hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing with an integrated adhesive border. The ALLEVYN range is one of the most widely recognised foam dressing ranges in UK wound care practice, used in NHS and private clinical settings for the management of moderate to heavily exuding wounds.

ALLEVYN Adhesive contains no silver, no alginate, no antimicrobial agents, and no active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is a purely physical wound care device that manages exudate, maintains a moist wound healing environment, and protects the wound from external contamination. It is suitable for use on a wide range of wound types where these functions are the clinical priority and where infection is not the primary concern.

ALLEVYN Adhesive is indicated for use on chronic wounds including pressure ulcers (grades 2 to 4), venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and post operative wounds. It is also suitable for minor burns, abrasions, skin tears, and other superficial to partial thickness acute wounds with moderate to heavy exudate. The range is available in five sizes to accommodate different wound dimensions.

ALLEVYN Adhesive is a physical wound dressing, not a medicine. It has no antimicrobial function. If a wound shows signs of infection such as increasing pain, redness spreading beyond the wound margin, warmth, swelling, increasing exudate, or a wound that is not healing as expected, seek clinical assessment. ALLEVYN Adhesive alone cannot treat wound infection.

Three Layer Construction

ALLEVYN Adhesive has three functional layers, each with a distinct role in wound management.

Layer 1: Non Adherent Wound Contact Layer

The innermost layer that sits directly on the wound surface is non-adherent. It allows wound exudate to pass through into the absorbent foam core while minimising adherence to the wound bed. This reduces the risk of wound bed disruption and pain during dressing removal, which is particularly important for wounds with fragile new tissue or for patients with sensitive periwound skin.

Layer 2: Hydrocellular Polyurethane Foam Absorbent Core

The central layer is a hydrocellular polyurethane foam. This foam has a high capacity for absorbing and retaining wound exudate. It draws fluid upward from the wound contact layer and holds it within the foam structure, away from the wound surface. This prevents the pooling of exudate at the wound bed, which can cause maceration of the periwound skin and delay healing. The foam retains absorbed exudate even under light compression, reducing the risk of exudate being squeezed back onto the wound when the dressing is covered or the patient moves.

Layer 3: Moisture Vapour Permeable Film Backing with Adhesive Border

The outer layer is a moisture vapour permeable polyurethane film. This film allows water vapour from absorbed exudate to evaporate through the dressing, preventing the foam core from becoming fully saturated too quickly and maintaining the absorbent capacity throughout the wear period. The film is impermeable to external fluids and microorganisms, protecting the wound from external contamination including shower water. The integrated adhesive border surrounding the foam pad holds the dressing securely in place without requiring a separate secondary dressing.

Moist Wound Healing

By absorbing excess exudate while retaining sufficient moisture at the wound surface, ALLEVYN Adhesive maintains a moist wound healing environment. A moist wound environment is associated with more effective cell migration across the wound bed, reduced pain during dressing changes, and facilitation of the natural processes of wound healing. The non-adherent contact layer and the controlled moisture balance reduce trauma and discomfort at dressing changes.

Before Application

• Wash hands thoroughly and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Dry the surrounding skin thoroughly before application. The adhesive border requires dry, clean periwound skin to adhere effectively.
• If needed, clip or shave excess hair from the periwound skin to improve adhesion and reduce discomfort at removal.
• Do not apply skin creams, lotions, or barrier products to the area where the adhesive border will contact the skin, as these reduce adhesion.

Application

• Choose the appropriate size so the foam pad covers the entire wound and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin surrounding the wound. The foam pad should not be smaller than the wound.
• Remove the release liner from the adhesive border in sections, applying the dressing progressively to avoid trapping air under the border.
• Press the adhesive border firmly onto the surrounding skin to ensure a secure seal.
• Smooth down any lifted edges.

No secondary dressing is required for most wound locations. A secondary dressing may be used in areas of high friction or movement where additional fixation is clinically appropriate.

Wear Time and Removal

ALLEVYN Adhesive can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels. The actual wear time depends on the wound and the rate of exudate production.

Change the dressing when exudate is visible approaching the edge of the foam pad, when the dressing lifts or becomes dislodged, or at the scheduled change time.

• To remove, lift one corner of the adhesive border and peel slowly back on itself parallel to the skin surface. Do not pull the dressing away from the skin at a right angle as this increases trauma to periwound skin.
• Support the periwound skin with one hand while peeling the border with the other, particularly on fragile or elderly skin.

Patients can shower while wearing ALLEVYN Adhesive. The film backing is waterproof to external fluids. Avoid prolonged immersion in baths or swimming pools. Pat the dressing dry after showering. If the adhesive border lifts after showering, press it back down while the skin is still slightly warm.

ALLEVYN Adhesive 7.5cm x 7.5cm

The smallest size, suitable for small wounds, digit wounds, and localised areas where a compact dressing is needed. The foam pad within the adhesive border is smaller than the overall dressing dimensions.

ALLEVYN Adhesive 10cm x 10cm

A versatile mid-small size suitable for a range of smaller to moderate wounds including localised pressure ulcers, smaller leg ulcer areas, post operative wounds, and acute injuries.

ALLEVYN Adhesive 12.5cm x 12.5cm

A medium size suitable for moderate-sized wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and larger post-operative sites. One of the most commonly used sizes in community and hospital wound care settings.

ALLEVYN Adhesive 17.5cm x 17.5cm

A larger size suitable for extended pressure ulcers, larger chronic wound areas, and post operative wounds covering a broader surface. Appropriate when the wound margins require a greater adhesive border margin.

ALLEVYN Adhesive 22.5cm x 22.5cm

The largest size, suitable for extensive wound areas including large pressure ulcers and significant post operative wounds. Primarily for clinical use. Provides a large absorbent foam area with a broad adhesive border for secure fixation.

When choosing a size, ensure the foam pad covers the entire wound bed and the adhesive border rests on at least 2 to 3cm of intact periwound skin on all sides. A size where the foam pad does not fully cover the wound is not appropriate.

Do Not Use ALLEVYN Adhesive If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to polyurethane foam or adhesive components.
• The wound is dry or has minimal exudate. An absorbent foam dressing on a dry wound can desiccate the wound bed and delay healing. A hydrating wound dressing is more appropriate for dry or minimally exuding wounds.
• The wound is heavily infected with spreading cellulitis or signs of systemic infection. ALLEVYN Adhesive has no antimicrobial function and is not appropriate as a sole dressing for an actively infected wound.

Precautions

• ALLEVYN Adhesive is a single use product. Do not reuse or reapply a used dressing.
• Use with caution on fragile or very thin periwound skin. The adhesive border may cause skin stripping or trauma on removal from fragile skin. Consider using a skin protectant product under the adhesive border for patients with thin or at-risk periwound skin.
• Do not stretch the dressing during application. Applying under tension can cause pressure injury to the periwound skin under the border.
• Monitor the wound at each dressing change. If the wound shows signs of infection or is not progressing, seek clinical assessment.
• Do not use MRI scanning with ALLEVYN Adhesive in place if the dressing contains any metallic components. Check the specific product Instructions for Use regarding MRI compatibility.

Adverse Effects

• Skin sensitivity, irritation, or contact dermatitis at the adhesive border. If persistent, discontinue use and seek clinical advice about alternative fixation methods.
• Skin stripping or maceration under the adhesive border on fragile periwound skin. Use a skin barrier product under the border and consider a non-adhesive alternative.
• Wound bed desiccation if the dressing is used on a wound with insufficient exudate to keep the wound contact layer adequately moist.

ALLEVYN Adhesive Is Suitable For Use On

• Pressure ulcers grades 2 to 4 with moderate to heavy exudate
• Venous and mixed leg ulcers with moderate to heavy exudate
• Diabetic foot ulcers with moderate exudate, under clinical supervision
• Post operative wounds with moderate to heavy exudate where a simple, self-contained dressing is preferred
• Minor burns, abrasions, and skin tears with moderate exudate
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

ALLEVYN Adhesive Is Not Suitable For

• Dry or minimally exuding wounds
• Actively infected wounds requiring antimicrobial dressing management
• Patients with known allergy to the adhesive or foam components
• Patients where the adhesive border cannot be tolerated due to skin fragility

ALLEVYN Adhesive differs from the ACTICOAT and ALGISITE ranges in that it contains no silver or other antimicrobial agent. It is suited to wounds where exudate management, moist healing, and secure fixation are the clinical priorities rather than infection management. For infected or at-risk wounds, consider whether an antimicrobial dressing such as ALGISITE Ag or an ACTICOAT product is more appropriate. ALLEVYN Adhesive may be used as a secondary dressing over an antimicrobial primary dressing in some wound management plans - seek clinical guidance.

ALLEVYN Adhesive is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. It can be purchased directly through Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation. It is available in five sizes: 7.5cm x 7.5cm, 10cm x 10cm, 12.5cm x 12.5cm, 17.5cm x 17.5cm, and 22.5cm x 22.5cm.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy stocking a range of wound care products including ALLEVYN Adhesive, the full ACTICOAT range, ALGISITE Ag, ALGISITE M, and a comprehensive selection of secondary and accessory wound care products. Our pharmacists can advise on product selection.

For complex wounds including pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, or wounds that are not healing as expected, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP alongside your dressing purchases.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Store below 25°C.
• Keep in the original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Each dressing is individually sterile packed. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or compromised.
• Check the expiry date before use. Do not use after the expiry date.
• Once opened, apply immediately.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste in accordance with local guidelines.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy providing access to a comprehensive range of wound care products including ALLEVYN Adhesive in all five available sizes. We stock the full Smith&Nephew wound care range alongside products from other leading wound care manufacturers.

All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains. Our pharmacists are available to advise on dressing selection, size, and wear time, and on when clinical referral for wound assessment is appropriate.

References

1. Smith+Nephew. ALLEVYN Adhesive Hydrocellular Dressing — Instructions for Use. Smith+Nephew Medical Ltd. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed May 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Pressure ulcers: prevention and management (CG179). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg179. Accessed May 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed May 2026.