ActivHeal® PHMB Foam dressings are sterile antimicrobial wound dressings, consisting of a hydrophilic polyurethane foam that is designed to absorb exudate. This is laminated to a pink, low friction, waterproof polyurethane film, which provides a bacterial barrier to the wound.
The wound contact layer side of the dressing has a clear perforated film, which protects the wound bed from adhering to the dressing by preventing the formation of granulation tissue into the pores of the foam, thus reducing trauma on dressing removal. The perforations in the wound contact layer allow the uptake of exudate and prevent excess fluid causing maceration to healthy skin.
ActivHeal® PHMB Foam dressings contain the antimicrobial substance polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB, polyhexanide), which kills and inhibits the growth of bacteria. The PHMB is released in the presence of wound exudate and is an effective antimicrobial agent against a broad spectrum of microorganisms (gram+, gram- and yeast) that are frequently associated with the bacterial colonisation and infection of wounds.
The PHMB activity is effective for up to seven days, based on in-vitro testing.