Before Using the Dressing: Clip excess hair for patient comfort.Clean the skin and the wound thoroughly. Allow the skin to dry before applying the dressing.If the periwound skin is fragile or exposure to drainage is likely, apply 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film to the periwound skin. .Evaluate the wound and select the correct dressing size so that 2.5 cm (1 inch) of the dressing, including the adhesive border, extends beyond the wound edge. Applying the Dressing: .Remove the paper liner from the dressing by lifting and pulling one of the square end tabs marked "1", exposing the adhesive surface (Figure 1). Minimize contact with the border or the adhesive (bottom) side of the dressing. Center the dressing over the wound. Gently press the adhesive (bottom) side down, and press from the center outward. Avoid stretching the dressing or the skin. Press down and smooth the film edges to ensure good adhesion. Remove the top delivery film by lifting and pulling one of the center tabs marked "2" toward the edge of the dressing. Smooth down the dressing edges as you are removing the film. Remove the other side of the top film in the same way. Gently tear off the square end tabs marked "1" at the perforations in a downward direction and discard .Avoid lifting the film edge while removing the tabs. Secure the entire film edge by pressing firmly. Applying the Dressing to Heels or Elbows: Slit the oval dressing from one tab end to the center. Secure the uncut half of the dressing to the bottom of the heel or elbow. Secure one half of the cut side of the dressing to the upper heel or the upper elbow.Remove the top delivery film and tab from that part of the dressing on the upper heel or elbow. Secure the remaining half of the cut side of the dressing by overlapping it on the secured portion of the dressing (Figure 10). Remove the remaining top delivery film and the tabs. Secure the cut edges by pressing firmly. Removing the Dressing: Carefully lift the film edges from the skin. If there is difficulty lifting the dressing, apply tape to the edge and use the tape to lift. .Continue lifting the film until all edges are free from the skin surface. .Remove the dressing slowly, folding it over itself. Pull carefully in the direction of hair growth.

Treatment of any skin ulcer should be part of a well-defined plan for ulcer management and under the supervision of a health care professional. When using Tegaderm Hydrocolloid Dressings, the wound initially appears larger in size and depth as unnecessary tissue is cleaned away. This increase should be accompanied by an improved appearance of the wound. If the wound gets larger after the first few dressing changes, see a health care professional. .Observe the wound for signs of infection. If infection occurs, the signs of which may be fever, increased pain, redness, bleeding, swelling, or an unusual odor or discharge see a health care professional. Tegaderm Hydrocolloid Dressings may be used on infected wounds only under the care of a health care professional.Rarely, irritation (reddening, inflammation), maceration (whitening of the skin), or hypergranulation (excessive tissue formation) may develop in some wounds under hydrocolloid dressings. Should these occur, consult a health care professional. .If the wound does not begin to show signs of healing or if any other unexpected symptoms occur, consult a health care professional.