PRIMAPORE DRESSING

A self-contained adhesive island dressing with an absorbent pad simplifies wound management at home and in clinical settings. The wound contact pad manages exudate, the absorbent layer holds fluid away from the wound surface, and the adhesive border holds everything in position without additional tape or bandaging. Primapore Dressing is an adhesive absorbent island dressing from Smith & Nephew for everyday wound care, post-operative wound cover, and general wound management. Seven sizes from 8.3cm x 6cm to 35cm x 10cm. No prescription required.

Primapore Dressing is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. It is an adhesive absorbent island dressing consisting of a central absorbent wound contact pad and a breathable fabric adhesive backing that extends beyond the pad on all sides to form a self-adhesive border. The absorbent pad is the active wound management element. The adhesive backing holds the dressing in position against the periwound skin without secondary fixation.

The wound contact layer of the central pad is designed with low adherence properties, reducing the tendency for the pad to bond to wound tissue during the wear period. Wound exudate passes from the wound surface into the absorbent pad, where it is held away from the wound. At dressing changes, the low-adherence wound contact layer allows the pad to separate from the wound surface with less disruption than plain gauze or fibrous pads that can embed in healing tissue.

The fabric backing is breathable. Moisture vapour from the skin and wound surface passes through the backing and evaporates rather than accumulating under the dressing. This breathability supports comfortable extended wear and reduces the skin maceration risk that can occur under fully occlusive backings.

Primapore Dressing is not waterproof. Replace after contact with water during bathing or showering. Apply to completely dry skin only. Apply without tension. Remove slowly along the skin surface at removal, particularly on fragile or elderly skin.

Absorbent Pad and Low Adherence Wound Contact

The central absorbent pad draws wound exudate from the wound surface and retains it within the pad structure. The wound contact layer is designed to reduce adhesion between the pad surface and the wound tissue. This low adherence property means that at dressing changes, the pad can typically be lifted from the wound without significant resistance and without pulling on the healing tissue beneath. If the pad feels adherent on a dry wound, dampening with sterile saline before removal softens any dried exudate and allows the pad to separate more easily.

Breathable Fabric Backing

The backing material is a breathable fabric that allows moisture vapour to pass through from the skin surface beneath and evaporate from the outer surface of the dressing. This breathability maintains a more comfortable wearing environment beneath the adhesive border, reduces the accumulation of moisture that can macerate skin during extended wear, and allows the skin to maintain normal function beneath the dressing.

Adhesive Border

The adhesive border holds the dressing in position against the dry, intact periwound skin. This self-adhesive function removes the need for secondary fixation, such as tape or bandage, in most wound management situations. The adhesive is formulated to maintain the dressing in position during normal daily activity while being manageable at removal. At removal, the border is peeled slowly back along the skin surface rather than at a sharp upward angle, which minimises the risk of skin trauma.

Seven Sizes for Diverse Wound Dimensions

The range of seven sizes accommodates wound dimensions across the spectrum of everyday wound care. The smallest size suits minor wounds and day surgery incisions. The mid-range sizes suit general surgical wounds, lacerations, and wound sites encountered across community nursing and primary care. The 35cm x 10cm is designed for long post-operative incision lines such as those from lower limb orthopaedic procedures.

Preparation

• Wash hands and use gloves.
• Clean the wound and ensure the wound and surrounding skin are completely dry.

Application

• Select the appropriate size for the wound.
• Remove the release liner.
• Position the central pad over the wound.
• Apply the adhesive border to the surrounding skin without tension.
• Smooth from the centre outward and press the borders firmly on all sides.
• No secondary fixation is required in most situations.

Removal and Change

• Change when the pad is saturated, the border has lifted, or when clinically indicated.
• Peel one corner of the adhesive border slowly back along the skin surface.
• Do not peel upward at a sharp angle.
• Support the skin ahead of the peeling edge on fragile or elderly skin.
• If the pad is adherent, dampen with sterile saline before lifting.
• Assess the wound at each change.

Apply without tension. Remove slowly along the skin surface. On fragile or elderly skin, support the skin ahead of the peeling edge and consider dampening the adhesive border before removal.

Primapore 8.3cm x 6cm: Pack of 50

A small island dressing for minor wounds, small lacerations, and wound sites where a compact dressing is appropriate. The pack of 50 is a clinical bulk supply suited to day surgery units, minor procedure clinics, GP surgeries, and community nursing settings where this small size is used in high volume.

Primapore 10cm x 8cm: Pack of 20

A small to medium island dressing for minor to moderate wounds. Suited to a range of everyday wound care situations, including minor surgical wounds, suture and clip removal sites, and general wound cover in home and clinical settings.

Primapore 15cm x 8cm: Pack of 20

A medium rectangular dressing for moderately sized wounds and incision lines where the 10cm x 8cm dressing does not provide adequate pad coverage. Suited to general surgical wounds and community wound management across a range of wound sites.

Primapore 20cm x 10cm: Pack of 20

A larger rectangular dressing for wounds where a 20cm length is needed. Suited to longer surgical incisions, abdominal wound sites, and post-operative wounds where the medium sizes do not provide sufficient coverage.

Primapore 25cm x 10cm: Pack of 20

A long rectangular dressing for extended incision lines and larger wound surfaces. Suited to post operative wounds following abdominal, spinal, and other procedures, where a 25cm length covers the wound in a single dressing.

Primapore 30cm x 10cm: Pack of 20

A long rectangular dressing for wounds up to 30cm. For major post operative wounds and longer surgical incisions, where a single dressing replaces multiple shorter ones. The 30cm length suits a range of longer incisions from abdominal and orthopaedic procedures.

Primapore 35cm x 10cm: Pack of 20

The largest size in the range. For very long post-operative incision lines, including those following lower limb orthopaedic surgery such as hip and knee replacement, where a single 35cm dressing covers the full incision length. Pack of 20 provides a supply for the extended post-operative healing period.

All seven sizes use the same absorbent pad and fabric backing construction. Size selection should ensure the central pad covers the full wound surface with the adhesive border resting on intact periwound skin on all sides.

When Not to Use Primapore

• Infected wounds.
• Wet or greasy periwound skin where the adhesive cannot bond.
• Wounds producing exudate that exceeds the pad absorption capacity.
• Known sensitivity to the adhesive components.

Precautions

• Apply to completely dry skin.
• Apply without tension.
• Remove slowly along the skin surface.
• Support the skin at removal on fragile skin.
• Dampen with saline if the pad is adherent.
• Not waterproof. Replace after water contact.
• Single use only.

Adverse Effects

• Skin stripping if applied under tension or removed sharply from fragile skin.
• Adhesive skin reaction in individuals sensitive to the adhesive.
• Wound pad adherence if left beyond the appropriate change interval on a dry wound.

Situations Where Primapore Is Appropriate

• Postoperative wound cover for surgical incisions where an adhesive island dressing is appropriate, and the patient does not require a waterproof dressing
• Minor wounds, lacerations, and abrasions in home and clinical settings where a standalone island dressing is suitable
• Suture and clip removal site support where wound cover continues after the sutures or clips are removed
• General community nursing wound management, where an absorbent adhesive dressing is the appropriate wound contact choice
• Adults and children on intact periwound skin

Primapore vs Mepore

Primapore (Smith & Nephew) and Mepore (Molnlycke Health Care) are both adhesive absorbent island dressings with breathable fabric backings and absorbent pads for similar wound management situations. Both are self-adhesive and require no secondary fixation. The key practical difference is the size range. Primapore offers seven sizes up to 35cm x 10cm. Mepore is available in two sizes. For wounds needing a longer dressing, Primapore provides more options. Clinical selection is otherwise based on formulary, clinician preference, or institutional availability.

Primapore Dressing does not require a prescription. All seven configurations are available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on size selection for specific wound dimensions and on when Primapore or another adhesive island dressing format is the most appropriate choice.

For infected wounds, wounds not healing as expected, or wounds requiring specialist assessment, seek clinical advice alongside dressing purchase.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original sealed sterile packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if the packaging seal is broken.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Apply as soon as the packaging is opened.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. All seven Primapore Dressing configurations are genuine Smith & Nephew products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on Primapore and on other adhesive island dressings and wound care products from the Smith & Nephew range.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Primapore Dressing — Product Information. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. NHS. How to treat minor cuts and grazes at home. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes. Accessed June 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.