ALLEVYN AG GENTLE BORDER

For patients with fragile skin, skin tears, or recently damaged periwound tissue, choosing an adhesive dressing requires careful consideration of how the border will affect the surrounding skin at removal. ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border is a silver antimicrobial foam dressing that addresses this challenge with a soft silicone adhesive border. The silicone border provides secure adhesion while remaining significantly gentler on delicate periwound skin than standard acrylic adhesives, reducing trauma and pain at dressing changes. The dressing also contains silver sulfate for antimicrobial infection management and a hydrocellular foam core for exudate absorption. No prescription is required.

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border is a regulated Class IIb medical device. It is a multilayer dressing that combines three distinct clinical functions: antimicrobial silver activity for infection management, hydrocellular foam absorbency for exudate management, and a soft silicone adhesive border for gentle adhesion on fragile or sensitive periwound skin.

The "Ag" in the product name refers to silver, the chemical symbol for which is Ag. The silver in ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border is silver sulfate, incorporated into the dressing layers to provide sustained local antimicrobial activity at the wound surface. This distinguishes it from the ACTICOAT range, which uses nanocrystalline silver deposited on polyethylene mesh or polyester fabric, and from ALGISITE Ag, which uses ionic silver within calcium alginate fibres. All three product types use silver as the antimicrobial agent but through different formulations and dressing materials.

The "Gentle Border" in the product name refers to the soft silicone adhesive used on the border rather than a standard acrylic adhesive. Soft silicone is widely used in wound care for patients with fragile or thin skin, skin tears, periwound maceration, and conditions affecting skin integrity such as epidermolysis bullosa or steroid-related skin thinning. Silicone adhesives bond to dry intact skin but do not bond to moist wound tissue or fragile periwound skin in the same way that acrylic adhesives do, which significantly reduces the risk of skin stripping and pain at removal.

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border is indicated for use on moderate to heavily exuding infected or at risk wounds in patients where fragile or sensitive periwound skin is a clinical concern. It is suitable for chronic wounds including venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers, as well as acute wounds, skin tears, and post-operative wounds in patients whose periwound skin integrity is compromised.

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border has antimicrobial activity due to the silver sulfate content. It is not suitable for patients with a known sensitivity or allergy to silver. If the wound is infected with spreading cellulitis, fever, or signs of systemic infection, seek urgent clinical assessment. A topical antimicrobial dressing is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in serious wound infections.

Silver Sulfate Antimicrobial Action

Silver sulfate incorporated into the dressing releases silver ions in contact with wound exudate. Silver ions disrupt the cell membranes of wound pathogens, interfere with bacterial enzyme systems, and prevent bacterial DNA replication. This broad mechanism of action provides antimicrobial activity against a wide range of wound pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other organisms commonly associated with chronic wound infection. The silver is released locally at the wound surface and the amount absorbed systemically through intact and wound skin is low at the concentrations used in wound dressings.

Hydrocellular Foam Exudate Absorption

The hydrocellular polyurethane foam core absorbs wound exudate and draws it away from the wound surface. This prevents pooling of exudate at the wound bed, which can macerate periwound skin and impair healing. The foam retains absorbed fluid under light compression, reducing the risk of exudate being returned to the wound surface when the dressing is covered or the patient moves. The foam also maintains a moist wound healing environment at the wound contact surface, supporting the natural processes of tissue repair.

Soft Silicone Border: Gentle Adhesion

The border of ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border uses soft silicone rather than the standard acrylic adhesive used on products such as standard ALLEVYN Adhesive. Soft silicone forms a gentle, conformable seal against intact periwound skin. Unlike acrylic adhesives, which bond chemically to the skin surface, silicone forms a physical seal through contact and surface tension. This means the border can be lifted and repositioned during application without losing adhesion and can be removed with significantly less force and less risk of skin stripping. This is particularly important for patients with thin or fragile periwound skin.

Moisture Vapour Permeable Film Backing

The outer film backing allows moisture vapour from absorbed exudate to evaporate through the dressing, maintaining absorbent capacity throughout the wear period. The film is waterproof to external fluids, protecting the wound from shower water and external contamination.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional. Gently clean the periwound skin and pat dry.
• The soft silicone border adheres best to dry, clean periwound skin. However, unlike acrylic adhesives, silicone borders can tolerate slightly damp skin better than standard adhesive dressings.
• Do not apply oil-based products, creams, or lotions to the area where the silicone border will contact the skin before application, as these may reduce adhesion.

Application

• Choose the appropriate size so the foam pad covers the entire wound and the silicone border rests on intact periwound skin.
• Remove the release liner from the silicone border and apply the dressing over the wound.
• Press the silicone border gently but firmly onto the surrounding skin to ensure a secure seal. Unlike acrylic adhesive borders, the silicone border does not require firm pressure to activate the adhesive.
• The dressing can be repositioned during application if needed. Lift the border gently and reposition without losing adhesion or stretching the dressing.
• No secondary dressing is required for most wound locations.

Wear Time and Removal

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels. Change earlier if exudate approaches the edge of the foam pad or the border lifts.

• To remove, lift one edge of the silicone border gently and peel slowly back parallel to the skin surface. The silicone border should release with minimal resistance and without requiring the skin support that is necessary with acrylic adhesive borders.
• Even with silicone borders, always peel parallel to the skin surface rather than pulling away at a right angle.
• The gentle release of silicone borders means patients who have previously experienced pain or skin damage with standard adhesive dressings often find removal of ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border significantly more comfortable.

Silver containing dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound bed and surrounding periwound skin. This is caused by silver deposition (argyria) and is a known and expected effect. It is generally cosmetically significant rather than clinically harmful. Discolouration usually resolves when silver dressing use is discontinued. Inform patients in advance so they are not alarmed if they notice it.

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border 7.5cm x 7.5cm

The smallest size, suitable for localised wounds, digit wounds, post-operative sites, and smaller chronic wound areas. Suitable for patients who need a compact, gentle-border antimicrobial dressing for a small wound location.

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border 10cm x 10cm

A versatile medium size suitable for moderate-sized wounds including smaller pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcer areas, and wound sites requiring both infection management and gentle border adhesion for sensitive periwound skin.

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border 12.5cm x 12.5cm

The largest size in the range, suitable for larger chronic wounds including venous leg ulcers, larger pressure ulcers, and wound areas requiring a broad foam coverage zone with an adequately sized silicone border. Commonly used in community and hospital wound care settings where both antimicrobial management and periwound skin protection are clinical priorities.

When selecting a size, ensure the foam pad covers the entire wound bed and the silicone border rests on intact periwound skin on all sides. A foam pad that does not fully cover the wound leaves areas of the wound bed without antimicrobial coverage.

Contraindications

• Do not use on patients with a known sensitivity or allergy to silver or to any component of the dressing.
• Do not use on dry or minimally exuding wounds. The silver requires moisture from wound exudate for ion release, and the foam core may desiccate a dry wound.
• Do not use in conjunction with oil-based topical products directly under the dressing, as these impair silver ion release.

Precautions

• ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border is a single use product. Do not reuse or reapply a used dressing.
• Reassess at each dressing change. If exudate levels fall significantly, consider whether a less absorbent dressing or a non-silver dressing (such as standard ALLEVYN Gentle Border without silver) is more appropriate.
• Silver dressings are not appropriate as a long term preventive measure in clinically clean, non-infected wounds. Use when there is clinical evidence of infection or a high risk of infection, and review the need for silver at each dressing change.
• Do not use MRI scanning with ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border in place. Remove before MRI procedures.
• Use with caution in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Systemic silver absorption from topical wound dressings is generally low. Seek clinical advice.

Adverse Effects

• Localised skin sensitivity or irritation at the silicone border. Silicone is generally better tolerated than acrylic adhesive but sensitivity reactions can still occur. Discontinue if persistent.
• Grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound bed and periwound skin from silver deposition. Expected and reversible.
• Wound bed desiccation if exudate levels fall significantly during treatment and the dressing is changed less frequently than the wound condition requires.

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border Is Suitable For

• Patients with infected or at risk wounds who also have fragile, thin, or compromised periwound skin where a standard acrylic adhesive border dressing risks causing skin damage at removal
• Chronic wound patients including those with venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers where the combination of silver antimicrobial activity and gentle border adhesion addresses two clinical needs simultaneously
• Patients who have previously experienced pain, skin stripping, or skin tears with standard adhesive wound dressings
• Post operative wound management in patients with fragile or steroid-thinned skin
• Patients with conditions affecting skin integrity including epidermolysis bullosa, lichen planus, or steroid-induced skin thinning, under specialist clinical supervision
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border Is Not Suitable For

• Patients with known silver sensitivity or allergy
• Dry or minimally exuding wounds
• Wounds where the gentle border cannot maintain sufficient adhesion due to excessive exudate striking through to the periwound skin

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border sits at the intersection of antimicrobial silver dressings and gentle border foam dressings. For infected or at risk wounds without periwound skin fragility, ALGISITE Ag (silver alginate) or an ACTICOAT product may be appropriate. For non-infected wounds with exudate management needs and fragile periwound skin, ALLEVYN Gentle Border (without silver) may be considered. For infected wounds with fragile periwound skin where both silver and gentle border adhesion are needed, ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border addresses both requirements in a single dressing.

ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border 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 three sizes: 7.5cm x 7.5cm, 10cm x 10cm, and 12.5cm x 12.5cm.

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

For complex wounds or patients with significant periwound skin fragility, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or dermatologist 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 professional grade wound care products including ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border in all three available sizes. We stock the full Smith&Nephew wound care portfolio alongside products from other leading manufacturers.

All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains. Our pharmacists are available to advise on dressing selection, including when the gentle border silicone adhesion advantage of this product is clinically appropriate versus standard adhesive or non-adhesive foam alternatives.

References

1. Smith+Nephew. ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border Antimicrobial Dressing — Instructions for Use. Smith+Nephew Medical Ltd. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed May 2026.
2. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Wound care products — Drug Tariff prescribing and selection. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
4. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Antimicrobials and non-healing wounds. Evidence, controversies and suggestions. https://wuwhs.net. Accessed May 2026.