ALLEVYN GENTLE BORDER LITE

Not all wounds produce heavy exudate, and for many patients a thinner, lower profile dressing is more comfortable and more practical for daily life. ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite is a soft silicone adhesive foam dressing from Smith+Nephew designed for wounds with low to moderate exudate. It uses the same soft silicone wound contact layer and soft silicone adhesive border as ALLEVYN Gentle Border, but with a thinner foam profile that makes it more discreet under clothing, more suitable for mobile patients, and better suited to wounds on bony prominences where a thicker dressing would create additional pressure. It is available in nine configurations including oval shapes and a multisite format. No prescription is required.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Smith+Nephew. It is a thinner-profile version of ALLEVYN Gentle Border. The word "Lite" refers to the reduced foam thickness, which makes it suited to wounds producing low to moderate levels of exudate, where the full absorbent capacity of the standard ALLEVYN Gentle Border foam is not required.

Like ALLEVYN Gentle Border, it combines a soft silicone wound contact layer that sits directly on the wound surface with a soft silicone adhesive border that holds the dressing in place. The silicone wound contact surface does not bond to moist wound tissue, allowing the dressing to be removed without pulling on the wound bed or disrupting new tissue. The silicone border adheres gently to the periwound skin and can be repositioned during application or removed with less force than a standard acrylic adhesive border.

The thinner profile of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite makes it suitable for a range of clinical situations where the standard Gentle Border would be unnecessarily bulky. These include wounds in areas where thickness creates pressure on bony prominences, wounds on mobile patients where a slimmer dressing is more comfortable and secure under clothing, wounds in areas prone to friction where a lower profile dressing reduces dressing displacement, and lightly exuding wounds where the full absorbency of the standard foam is not needed.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite contains no silver and no antimicrobial agent. It is suitable for clean, lightly to moderately exuding wounds that are healing and do not require antimicrobial management. For infected or at-risk wounds, ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border provides silver sulfate antimicrobial activity in a similar format.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite is designed for low to moderate exudate. If the wound produces more exudate than the Lite foam can absorb, consider switching to ALLEVYN Gentle Border (standard thickness) or another more absorbent dressing. Signs that the dressing has reached capacity include exudate striking through to the border or leaking from the dressing edges before the scheduled change time.

Soft Silicone Wound Contact Layer

The wound facing surface of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite is coated with soft silicone. Silicone does not bond to moist wound tissue, preventing adherence of the dressing to the wound bed. This allows the dressing to be lifted away cleanly at removal without disrupting granulation tissue or newly formed epithelium. Exudate from the wound passes through the silicone layer into the thin foam core above, keeping the wound surface moist while absorbing excess fluid.

Thin Foam Absorbent Core

The foam core of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite is thinner than that of ALLEVYN Gentle Border. It is designed to manage low to moderate wound exudate rather than moderate to heavy exudate. The foam absorbs and retains exudate drawn through from the wound contact surface, preventing pooling at the wound bed and maintaining the moist healing environment while keeping the overall dressing profile slim.

Soft Silicone Adhesive Border

The adhesive border uses soft silicone. Silicone forms a physical seal against intact periwound skin through contact and surface tension rather than a chemical bond. The border can be repositioned during application without losing adhesion and removed with significantly less force and less risk of skin stripping than a standard acrylic adhesive border. This is particularly relevant for the Lite format, which is often used on mobile patients and in locations where repeated dressing changes are part of ongoing wound management.

Low Profile and Patient Comfort

The thinner construction of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite means it sits flatter against the skin. This reduces bulk under clothing, is less likely to create additional pressure on bony prominences, and is generally more comfortable for patients who are mobile or active. The lower profile also reduces the risk of the dressing catching or rolling at its edges during movement, which can be a concern with thicker dressings in areas of friction.

Moisture Vapour Permeable Film Backing

The outer film layer allows moisture vapour to escape through the dressing while remaining waterproof to external fluids. Patients can shower while wearing ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Gently dry the periwound skin. The silicone border adheres best to dry intact periwound skin.
• Do not apply creams, lotions, or oil-based products to the area where the border will contact the skin.

Application

• Select the appropriate size and configuration so the foam pad covers the entire wound and the silicone border rests on intact periwound skin on all sides.
• Remove the release liner from the silicone border and apply the dressing over the wound.
• The silicone border can be repositioned during application if needed.
• Press the border gently onto the surrounding skin to ensure a consistent seal.
• No secondary dressing is required for most wound locations.

Wear Time and Removal

• ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels. Because the foam core is thinner, lightly exuding wounds will typically allow the full wear period; more actively exuding wounds may require earlier changes.
• Change the dressing earlier if exudate strikes through to the border or leaks from the edges, if the border lifts, or if clinical assessment indicates the wound needs review.
• To remove, lift one edge of the silicone border slowly and peel back parallel to the skin surface. The silicone border releases with less resistance than acrylic adhesive.
• Patients can shower while wearing ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite. The film backing is waterproof to external fluids. Avoid prolonged immersion. If the border lifts during or after showering, press it back down while the skin is slightly warm.

Standard Flat Sizes

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite 5cm x 5cm

The smallest size, suitable for small wounds, digit wounds, localised areas, and wounds in confined locations where a compact low-profile dressing is needed. The thin foam profile makes this size particularly suitable for digit wounds where bulk is a significant consideration.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite 5.5cm x 12cm

A narrow rectangular size suited to elongated wounds in confined locations, wounds on fingers or toes where length coverage is needed, and linear wounds such as post-operative sites where a narrow format fits the wound shape more precisely than a square.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite 7.5cm x 7.5cm

A small-to-medium square size suitable for localised wounds, smaller pressure ulcer areas, and wounds where a compact self-adhesive low-profile dressing is appropriate.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite 10cm x 10cm

A versatile medium size suitable for moderate-sized wounds across a range of body locations. A commonly used size for post-operative wounds, smaller venous leg ulcer areas, and superficial pressure areas in mobile patients.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite 10cm x 20cm

A rectangular size suited to elongated wounds including lower leg wounds, longer post-operative sites, and wounds where a rectangular coverage format is more appropriate than a square.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite 15cm x 15cm

A larger square size for broader wound areas requiring low-profile foam coverage. Suitable for more extensive superficial wounds, larger post-operative sites, and pressure-prone areas where a larger foam pad is needed without the bulk of a standard thickness dressing.

Oval Configurations

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite Oval 8.6cm x 7.7cm

A small oval configuration suited to localised wounds, wounds on bony prominences such as the elbow or ankle, and round or oval wound shapes where an oval dressing reduces wrinkling and border folding at the rounded edges. The oval shape also fits wound locations where the natural body contour is oval rather than square.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite Oval 15.2cm x 13.1cm

A larger oval configuration for moderately sized wounds with an oval or rounded shape. Suitable for elbow wounds, knee wounds, larger localised pressure areas, and any wound location where the oval format provides better anatomical coverage and reduces the edge-folding that can occur with a larger square dressing on a curved surface.

Multisite Configuration

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite Multisite 8cm x 8.4cm

The Multisite configuration is a shaped format designed for anatomically challenging locations including joints, bony prominences, and areas where standard flat dressings cannot conform adequately. The 8cm x 8.4cm dimensions provide compact coverage suited to smaller multisite wound locations. The Lite foam profile is particularly appropriate in multisite locations where additional dressing bulk could create pressure or restrict movement.

Do Not Use ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to silicone or any component of the dressing.
• The wound produces moderate to heavy exudate that exceeds the absorbent capacity of the Lite foam. Switch to ALLEVYN Gentle Border (standard thickness) or a more absorbent dressing.
• The wound is actively infected. ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite contains no antimicrobial agent. Consider ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border for infected or at-risk wounds.

Precautions

• ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite is a single use product. Do not reuse or reapply a used dressing.
• Monitor the exudate level at each change. If the wound begins to produce more exudate than the Lite foam can manage, upgrade to ALLEVYN Gentle Border (standard thickness).
• Reassess at each dressing change. If the wound develops signs of infection, switch to an antimicrobial dressing.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.

Adverse Effects

• Skin sensitivity or irritation at the silicone border. Discontinue if persistent.
• Exudate leakage if the wound produces more fluid than the thin foam core can absorb, consider a more absorbent dressing.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite Is Suitable For

• Lightly to moderately exuding wounds in patients who benefit from a lower profile dressing, particularly mobile or active patients where a slim dressing is more comfortable under clothing
• Wounds on bony prominences such as the elbow, ankle, or knee where a thicker dressing would create additional pressure
• Post operative wounds with low exudate during the later stages of healing when a standard foam dressing is no longer needed but wound protection and gentle coverage are still indicated
• Patients with sensitive or fragile periwound skin who require the gentle adhesion of a silicone border and the atraumatic removal of a silicone wound contact surface
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite Is Not Suitable For

• Wounds producing moderate to heavy exudate, use ALLEVYN Gentle Border (standard) instead
• Actively infected wounds - use an antimicrobial dressing
• Patients with known silicone allergy

Both products share the same soft silicone wound contact layer and soft silicone adhesive border. The difference is foam thickness. ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite has a thinner foam suited to low to moderate exudate and situations where a lower profile is clinically beneficial. ALLEVYN Gentle Border has a thicker foam suited to moderate to heavy exudate and situations where greater absorbent capacity is needed. If the wound exudate level increases during healing, switching from Lite to standard is straightforward.

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite 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 all nine configurations listed above.

Pharmacy Planet stocks both ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite and ALLEVYN Gentle Border alongside the full ALLEVYN Ag range and the ALLEVYN Gentle non-adhesive format. Our pharmacists can advise on which configuration and thickness is most appropriate for a specific wound and patient.

For complex wounds or wounds that are not healing as expected, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP alongside your dressing purchase.

• 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 stocking the full ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite range in all nine configurations alongside ALLEVYN Gentle Border, ALLEVYN Gentle, and the full ALLEVYN Ag range.

All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains. Our pharmacists are available to advise on whether the Lite or standard foam thickness is more appropriate for a specific wound, and on the most suitable configuration for the wound location.

References

1. Smith+Nephew. ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite Wound 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. Wounds UK. Skin tears: a guide to prevention and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.