Introduction
You have been recommended to use a Biatain® dressing on your skin that has broken down (become inflamed and started peeling and become moist) due to your radiotherapy or proton beam therapy treatment.
Biatain® Soft-Hold is a soft and flexible dressing that is very comfortable to wear. It is a polyurethane foam dressing with a gentle adherent layer and a semi-permeable film.
Biatain® Silicone is a soft polyurethane foam dressing with a semi-permeable film and a soft silicone adhesive. The silicone wound contact layer provides a secure fit to keep the dressing in place while ensuring minimal pain upon removal.
Biatain® dressings help to:
- Protect the treated area.
- Absorb any oozing from the wound.
- Keep your skin moist, which helps promote healing.
- Keep the area clean.
It may be helpful to share this factsheet with your family, GP, district or practice nurse, if you have to see them to have your dressings changed.
Biatain® dressings can be used in combination with gels and creams which may have been given to you by the radiotherapy review team, such as Flaminal Hydro, Flaminal Forte or Instillagel.
Instructions for use
Wash and dry your hands well, before and after applying the dressing.
Make sure to have a clean space (e.g., a clean towel) on which to place the fresh products, and to have everything you need to do the cleansing and dressing change.
If you are wearing a dressing that must be removed, remove the old dressing and place it in the bin. Gently lift the border on the dressing and slowly pull back the dressing until fully removed.
Clean the area of treated skin with lukewarm water and a clean flannel or gauze.
Your skin may bleed a little after cleansing. This is normal.
Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Make sure the surrounding skin is thoroughly dry to help the dressing stick. Apply moisturiser to the unbroken skin.
If you have been recommended to use gels such as Flaminal Hydro, Flaminal Forte or Instillagel, gently apply a layer to the broken skin.
If using Biatain® Silicone dressings, peel off the protective layer from the dressing, apply to the area ensuring that the adhesive border is not on broken skin. Press lightly on this border to ensure that the dressing stays in place.
If using Biatain® Soft Hold dressings, apply the adhesive side down onto the skin. This adhesive will not damage the skin as it is especially gentle for fragile skin.
Biatain® dressings can be left in place for several days. We will tell you how often to change your dressing.
Please change your dressing every ___ days
Please tell us if the Biatain® dressing irritates your skin.
Signs of infection
If you notice any of the following signs during your treatment, tell a radiographer or nurse as soon as possible. If you have finished your treatment and you notice any of these signs, contact your GP or District Nurse as soon as possible.
- Feverish, flu-like symptoms.
- The area is red, hot and swollen.
- There is a smelly discharge.
- Increased pain from the wound.
It is not unusual for the area to produce a discharge on the dressing which can look slightly green and thick. If you are worried, please do not hesitate to call us.
Contact us
Radiotherapy Review Team (via Radiotherapy Reception) 08:30am- 18:00pm
t: 020 3447 3700/ 020 3447 3701
Proton Beam Therapy Review Team (via Proton Beam Therapy Reception) 08:30am- 18:00pm
t: 020 3456 8000/8001
Out of hours oncology advice number (available 24 hours)
t: 07947 959020