ALLEVYN ADHESIVE SACRUM

Wound dressings that manage exudate effectively while staying in place comfortably can make a significant difference to patient experience and treatment outcomes. ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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 Sacrum is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Smith+Nephew. It is a three-layer hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing with an integrated adhesive border, shaped specifically for the sacral and coccygeal anatomy. The sacrum is the triangular bone at the base of the spine, above the coccyx (tailbone). The area around the sacrum is one of the most common sites for pressure ulcers to develop, particularly in patients who are immobile, bedridden, or spend extended periods in a seated position. A standard square dressing on this area often fails to conform to the body contour and may lift at the edges due to the curves of the lower back and buttocks.

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum contains no silver, no alginate, no antimicrobial agents, and no active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is a purely physical wound care device. Its defining feature is the contoured butterfly shape, which has been designed to follow the natural curves of the sacral and gluteal anatomy, providing better wound coverage and adhesion in this anatomically challenging area than a standard square dressing.

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum is primarily indicated for sacral and coccygeal pressure ulcers (grades 2 to 4) with moderate to heavy exudate. It is also suitable for other wounds in the sacral and lower back region including moisture-associated skin damage, skin tears, and superficial wounds in this area. The single 17cm x 17cm size is designed to provide adequate coverage for the typical range of sacral wound dimensions encountered in clinical practice.

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum is a physical wound dressing, not a medicine. It has no antimicrobial function. Sacral pressure ulcers can develop rapidly and progress through grades. If the wound is deteriorating, showing signs of infection, or not healing as expected, seek clinical assessment urgently. A tissue viability nurse or district nurse can assess the wound grade and advise on the most appropriate dressing and pressure redistribution strategy.

Three Layer Construction

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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 Contoured 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 while remaining impermeable to external fluids and microorganisms. The integrated adhesive border is contoured to follow the butterfly shape of the dressing, providing secure adhesion around the sacral and coccygeal curves. The contoured border helps prevent the lifting and wrinkling that can occur with standard square dressings on this area of the body.

Moist Wound Healing

By absorbing excess exudate while retaining sufficient moisture at the wound surface, ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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

• Position the dressing with the foam pad centred over the wound. The contoured butterfly shape should align with the sacral anatomy, with the narrower indented sections of the border following the gluteal cleft.
• Ensure the foam pad covers the entire wound and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin.
• 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. The contoured adhesive border is designed to maintain secure adhesion in the sacral area even during patient movement, repositioning, and incontinence pad use.

Wear Time and Removal

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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 Sacrum. 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 Sacrum — 17cm x 17cm

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum is available in a single size of 17cm x 17cm. The overall dressing dimensions are 17cm x 17cm in a contoured butterfly shape. The foam pad within the adhesive border covers the central wound contact area. The contoured shape is designed to accommodate the typical range of sacral wound dimensions encountered in clinical practice.

If the wound is significantly larger than the foam pad area of this dressing, seek clinical guidance. For very large sacral wounds, a tissue viability nurse can advise on appropriate dressing options including whether multiple dressings or an alternative larger-format dressing is more suitable. Do not attempt to cover a wound where the foam pad does not fully cover the wound bed, as this leaves areas of the wound unprotected.

Do Not Use ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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 Sacrum has no antimicrobial function and is not appropriate as a sole dressing for an actively infected wound.

Precautions

• ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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 Sacrum 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 Sacrum Is Suitable For Use On

• Sacral and coccygeal pressure ulcers grades 2 to 4 with moderate to heavy exudate
• Moisture associated skin damage and skin tears in the sacral and lower back area
• Other moderately to heavily exuding wounds in the sacral region where the contoured dressing provides better coverage than a standard square format
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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 - in these cases a non-adhesive foam dressing secured with a retention dressing or net may be more appropriate
• Wounds significantly larger than the foam pad area of the 17cm x 17cm dressing — seek clinical guidance

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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 Sacrum may be used as a secondary dressing over an antimicrobial primary dressing in some wound management plans, seek clinical guidance.

ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum 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 the single size of 17cm x 17cm.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy stocking a range of wound care products including ALLEVYN Adhesive Sacrum, ALLEVYN Adhesive (standard square format), the full ACTICOAT range, ALGISITE Ag, ALGISITE M, and a comprehensive selection of primary and secondary 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 Sacrum. 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 Sacrum 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.