Introduction
You have been recommended to use a Polymem® 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.
Polymem® is a soft, absorbent dressing that is very comfortable to wear. It cleans the wound, moisturises the skin, reduces inflammation and helps reduce pain.
Polymem® 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.
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.
Your skin may bleed a little after cleansing. This is normal.
The Polymem® dressing may need to be cut to the required shape and size. A member of the review team will show you how to do this.
When changing the dressing you may, or may not, need to clean the wound as the Polymem® contains wound cleaning substances. The review team will advise you.
When changing the dressing you need / do not need to clean the wound.
(Instructions will be provided by your clinician)
Place the dressing with the plain side facing down onto the skin. The printing on the dressing should be facing away from the skin. Ensure that the dressing makes good contact with the skin.
To help the dressing stay in place you may need to use a bandage or tape.
Polymem® works best if it is kept in place for several days. Change the dressing when it becomes very wet or if fluid is visible through the upper side of the dressing. The discharge on the Polymem® can look a greenish colour, this is due to chemicals in the dressing.
Once your wound has healed and your skin is no longer moist, you can stop using the Polymem® and return to using moisturiser. If you are unsure, please speak to a member of the review team.
Please tell the review team if the Polymem® dressing is irritating 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 all
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