Does a wound heal faster if you expose it to air?
If a scab appears, does it mean that the wound is healing well?
Exposed to the air, does a wound have to deal with more microbes?
How do I use Flamigel®?
- Wash your hands before and after treating the wound.
- Clean and dry the wound gently before applying Flamigel®.
- For superficial burns and minor wounds (e. g. grazes, cuts): Carefully apply Flamigel® to the wound (without rubbing) once or twice a day (in case of sunburn apply twice to six time daily). If necessary, cover the wound with a plaster or dressing and change daily.
- For superficial open wounds: Apply a thick layer of Flamigel® (5 mm) to the wound minimizing contact with the wound edges, cover Flamigel® with a sterile non-adhesive dressing and fix with a gauze or bandage. Leave Flamigel® in place as long as the gel structure is intact. Renew Flamigel® when it has disappeared. When new skin cells start to form and the wound is closing, apply only a thin layer of Flamigel® to prevent weakening. If necessary, protect the wound edges.
Do I need to cover Flamigel® with a secondary dressing?
- In case of sunburn, do not cover Flamigel® and apply Flamigel® frequently (up to 6 times per day).
- In case of minor cuts and grazes covering Flamigel® can help to protect the wound and to prevent contamination. Cover the wound with a non-adherent dressing to allow easy removal.
Why should I use Flamigel®?
Flamigel® supports faster healing of the wound by creating an optimal moist wound healing environment. Flamigel® hydroactive colloid formulation can quickly help soothe pain of minor wounds due to its cooling effect. Flamigel® helps to create optimal healing conditions to accelerate cell renewal, allowing the wound to heal faster and reducing the likelihood of scarring. Flamigel® also provides a barrier against external contamination.
In radiotherapy Flamigel® reduces the incidence of moist desquamation and delays its occurrence should it still occur.
When should Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be used?
- Flaminal® Forte and Flaminal® Hydro should be used for moist wound healing, especially on those wounds where there is the potential for an acquired wound infection.
- Flaminal® Forte contains a larger amount of alginate and should be used on moderate to heavily exuding wounds.
- Flaminal® Hydro contains less alginate and should be used on light to moderate levels of exudate.
How should Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be used?
- Irrigate and clean the wound.
- Carefully dab dry.
- Apply a thick layer (5mm) of Flaminal®(Hydro & Forte).
- Cover with a secondary dressing.
- Renew Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) whenever the gel structure is altered.
- Initially the wound may appear larger; this is a normal consequence of the debriding action of Flaminal®(Hydro & Forte) which causes dead tissue to be absorbed.
- The gel colour may change and there may be a sweetish odour.
- Dry wax-like flakes (flakes of alginates) may be seen. This is OK if they are found on the wound borders as they will protect the wound from maceration.
- If the flakes appear in the wound itself, particularly with Flaminal® Forte, it might be because the wound is not producing enough exudate and you should change to Flaminal® Hydro.
How do I store Flamigel®?
How long can I use Flamigel®?
Are there precautions for using Flamigel®?
- Flamigel® is for external use only
- Do not use Flamigel® when there is a known allergic reaction to parabens or any of the ingredients
- Do not use Flamigel® on the eyelids or in the eyes. If Flamigel® comes in to contact with the eyes, rinse the eyes with running water and consult a doctor
- On extensively weeping or infected wounds consult a doctor before using Flamigel®, other complementary treatments might be necessary
- If the wound becomes swollen, red or painful, or does not start to heal within a few days seek medical advice
Is Wound fluid bad?
Does a wound always have to be disinfected?
Is Seawater good for healing wounds?
Do you need to keep the area around a burn under cold water or even icy water?
Should I apply hydrogen peroxide/oxygen water to a wound?
Do I have to protect tanned skin from the sun?
How should Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be covered?
1. Cover Flaminal® Hydro or Flaminal® Forte with a dressing. The choice of dressing should be based on the type of wound:
Slightly to moderately exuding wound: transparent film (polyurethane) or non-adherent dressing fixed by a non-adhesive bandage
Moderately to highly exuding: absorbent non-adherent dressing fixed by a non-adhesive bandage or by a hypoallergenic, adhesive tape
Is Flaminal® haemostatic (able to stop bleeding)?
What if there is no Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) in the wound?
What if Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) becomes too liquid?
How does Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) kill wound pathogens?
Flaminal® contains two enzymes, glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase. Glucose oxidase converts the available glucose, oxygen and water into peroxide ions. Lactoperoxidase converts the peroxide ions into reactive oxygen species. Lactoperoxidase specifically binds to bacterial cell walls. The reactive oxygen species created, destroys bacteria. The antimicrobial mode of action of Flaminal only takes place in the matrix.
Can I use Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) on dry necrotic wounds?
Is Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) active against fungi?
Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) have been tested against Aspergillus niger (fungus) and against Candida albicans (yeast), but only mild activity was found. However, Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) contains a conservation agent (potassium sorbate) to protect against fungal contamination.
Does Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) has any effect on a wound that is contaminated with MRSA?
The antimicrobial activity of Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) is enzymatic. This is a different mechanism of action compared to antibiotics and no resistance has been seen. There is in-vitro evidence to show that Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) kills MRSA strains quickly and effectively.
Does Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) have any effect on a Pseudomonas aeruginosa contaminated wound?
What should I use on wounds with fibrin slough but no exudate?
What is epidermolysis bullosa and can Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be used to treat it?
Epidermolysis bullosa is a very rare, congenital skin disease, where the slightest injury will provoke blisters which are difficult to heal, often causing scarring and functional impediments. Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) may be used although it will not prevent injuries and blisters for which there is no treatment.
Are propylene glycol and phenoxyethanol present in Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte)?
Can antibiotics be administered along with Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte)?
Does Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) reduce overgranulation?
Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) restores the bacterial balance in the wound and by continually removing necrotic material allows natural wound healing. Should the wound overgranulate for reasons other than infection, stop using Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) and keep the wound dry to reduce cell growth. Applying local pressure to the wound bed will also help reduce overgranulation.
What are the advantages of using Flaminal® Hydro in treating dermatological surgical wounds?
Flaminal® Hydro absorbs leaking wound fluid, protects against infection and keeps the wound moist thus avoiding the formation of scabs which may increase the risk of scarring. Flaminal® Hydro stays on the wound until the sutures are removed.
Can Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be used where a wart has been removed?
What are the five main advantages of Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte)?
Flaminal® Hydro and Flaminal® Forte keep the wound moist
Flaminal® Hydro and Flaminal® Forte keep the wound clean/debride the wound continuously.
Flaminal® Hydro and Flaminal® Forte offer antimicrobial balance.
Flaminal® Hydro and Flaminal® Forte is safe for the skin and wound tissue.
Flaminal® Hydro and Flaminal® Forte protects the wound border.
When should Flaminal® Hydro be switched to Flaminal® Forte or vice-versa?
Changing from Flaminal® Hydro to Flaminal® Forte:
when Flaminal® Hydro liquefies too quickly, it is recommended that you switch to Flaminal® Forte.
Changing from Flaminal® Forte to Flaminal® Hydro:
when a whitish thick layer of alginate appears in the wound, switch immediately to Flaminal® Hydro.
How do Flaminal® Hydro and Flaminal® Forte control and maintain bacterial balance?
Step 1: Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) absorb exudate pus and bacteria into its structure
Step 2: The enzyme system consists of two enzymes, glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase.
The first enzyme, glucose oxidase forms a peroxide. The second enzyme, lactoperoxidase immediately captures the peroxide and transforms it into oxygen radicals (ROS, Reactive Oxygen Species). These radicals destroy the bacterial cell wall. This is a selective process. Only bacteria are destroyed and not human cells, such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts.
Can antibiotics be administered at the same time as Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte)?
Systemic antibiotics can be used at the same time. When a wound is infected, antibiotics may be indicated. Infection is caused by bacteria infiltrating the deeper tissue layers of the wound. These bacteria are not adequately inhibited or destroyed by a topically applied antibacterial product. However, some chronic wounds have poor blood flow and only small amounts of antibiotics may reach the wound. Ask your doctor or wound clinician for advice.
How do I treat fibrinous wounds (yellow wounds) with Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte)?
Clean the wound with a cleanser such as Flamirins®.
Apply Flaminal® Hydro (in the case of moderate exudate) or Forte (when there is severe exudation)
1. To dissolve and absorb (remove) fibrin, as the ongoing presence of fibrin slows down wound healing and complicates the diagnosis.
To control bacterial contamination.
To maintain a moist and clean wound.
To protect the wound borders.
Apply a dressing to cover Flaminal® Hydro or Flaminal® Forte. The choice of dressing will depend on the amount of exudate from the wound.
Inspect the wound daily and change the dressing each day or every two days.
When should Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be used?
- Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) should be used for moist wound healing, especially on those wounds where there is the potential for an acquired wound infection.
- Flaminal® Forte contains a larger amount of alginate and should be used on moderate to heavily exuding wounds.
- Flaminal® Hydro contains less alginate and should be used on light to moderate levels of exudate.
How should Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be used?
- Irrigate and clean the wound.
- Carefully dab dry.
- Apply a thick layer (5mm) of Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte).
- Cover with a secondary dressing.
- Renew Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) whenever the gel structure is altered.
- Initially the wound may appear larger; this is a normal consequence of the debriding action of Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) which causes dead tissue to be absorbed.
- The gel colour may change and there may be a sweetish odour.
- Dry wax-like flakes (flakes of alginates) may be seen. This is OK if they are found on the wound borders as they will protect the wound from maceration.
- If the flakes appear in the wound itself, particularly with Flaminal® Forte, it might be because the wound is not producing enough exudate and you should change to Flaminal® Hydro.
Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) are used on which type of wounds?
Flaminal® Hydro is indicated for light to moderately exuding wounds such as: leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers, superficial dermal and deep dermal burns, wounds from radiotherapy, oncology wounds, wounds from dermatosurgery.
Flaminal® Forte is indicated for moderately to heavily exuding wounds such as: heavily exuding superficial dermal and deep dermal burns, exuding leg ulcers, exuding pressure ulcers, exuding oncology wounds, pre-operative wound-bed preparation.
When does Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) need to be changed?
- Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) should be changed when the gel structure becomes altered to the point it has almost disappeared, or alginate flakes have appeared, or the gel becomes too liquid.
- When using Flaminal® Forte, if alginate flakes appear, the wound is too dry for Flaminal® Forte and you should switch to Flaminal® Hydro.
- When using Flaminal® Hydro, if the gel becomes too liquid, the wound is too wet for Flaminal® Hydro and you should switch to Flaminal® Forte.
- The dressing with Flaminal® Hydro or Flaminal® Forte can remain in place as long as the gel structure is intact (1 to 4 days, depending on the amount of exudate).
Can Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be painful on application?
- Pain may be experienced if the wound is allowed to dry out. With drier wounds this can be prevented by using Flaminal® Hydro instead of Flaminal® Forte.
- Pain may be experienced if the wound edges become macerated. With wetter wounds this can be prevented by using Flaminal® Forte instead of Flaminal® Hydro. Maceration can also be reduced by using a more absorbent secondary dressing, e. g. foam or superabsorbent dressing. There may be reduction in pain as Flaminal® (Hydro) can be used to hydrate then remove dead tissue from the wound.
- Pain can be caused by infection; allergies and some ulcers can also be painful.
What is the shelf life of Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte)?
Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) can be used until the expiry date (seen on the tube), two years from manufacture. Even after it is opened, Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) can be used until the expiry date shown, provided the cap is replaced securely after use.
How should Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be stored?
Can Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes. Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) can be stored in the refrigerator. In fact, if the room temperature where the Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) is stored is likely to exceed 25°C, it is preferable to keep Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) in the refrigerator. Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) should not be stored in the freezer.
Can Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) be used by diabetes patients?
What is Flamigel® RT?
- Flamigel® RT is a hydro-active colloid gel that guards from radiotherapy induced dermatitis and provides a barrier against external contamination.
- Flamigel® RT delays the onset and reduces the incidence of moist desquamation (breakdown of the skin with oozing) when your skin is treated with radiotherapy and delays its onset should it still occur.
- Flamigel® RT hydrates the affected skin area and restores moisture balance.
- Flamigel® RT reduces the intensity of early symptoms of radiotherapy-induced skin reactions such as red, dry, itching, flaking, peeling or irritated skin (dry desquamation).
- Flamigel® RT helps to continue the prescribed radiotherapy treatment by delaying the onset and reducing the incidence of radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation (RIMD).
- Flamigel® RT helps to reduce pain, redness, and heat by its cooling effect and, therefore, soothes the exposed skin areas.
- Flamigel® RT helps to create optimal healing conditions to accelerate cell renewal, allowing the compromised skin to heal fast and so reduce the likelihood of scarring.
How can Flamigel® RT help?
- Flamigel® RT helps hydrates the affected skin area and restores moisture balance.
- Flamigel® RT helps reduce the intensity of early symptoms of radiotherapy-induced skin reactions such as red, dry, itching, flaking, peeling or irritated skin (dry desquamation).
- Flamigel® RT helps delay the onset and reduces the incidence of radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation.
- Flamigel RT® helps to continue the prescribed radiotherapy treatment by delaying the onset and reducing the incidence of radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation (RIMD).
- Flamigel® RT provides a protective barrier against external contamination.
- Flamigel® RT helps to create optimal healing conditions to accelerate cell renewal, allowing the compromised skin to heal fast and therefore reduce the likelihood of scarring.
- Flamigel® RT will help to soothe pain1, reduce redness and heat by its cooling effect and, therefore, soothes the exposed skin areas.
- Flamigel® RT is not sticky or greasy. Flamigel® RT is easy to apply. This means that you can apply Flamigel® RT and get dressed without having to cover the area with a dressing or wait for it to dry.
How should Flamigel® RT be applied?
How long after radiotherapy has ended should a patient continue to use Flamigel® RT?
- We advise that you continue to use Flamigel® RT until 7 to 10 days after the end of the radiotherapy treatment. You can, however, continue to apply for longer if your skin is still red and sore.
- In case of doubt, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or radiotherapy nurse on how much longer you should continue to apply Flamigel® RT.
Are there any precautions a patient should know about?
- Do not use Flamigel® RT in the eyes or on the eyelids. If that happens, rinse your eyes with running water and consult a doctor.
- Do not use Flamigel® RT when you know that you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
- If symptoms worsen and you are concerned, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What should a patient do if further help or advice is needed?
Will Flamigel® RT prevent the patient from developing a skin reaction due to radiotherapy treatment?
It is very difficult to prevent a skin reaction from occurring. Flamigel® RT is a-hydro-active colloid gel, which when applied to the skin, builds a protective barrier that protects and supports skin regeneration between radiotherapy sessions. Flamigel® RT reduces the intensity of early symptoms of radiotherapy-induced skin reactions such as red, dry, itching, flaking, peeling or irritated skin (dry desquamation). Flamigel® RT helps to continue the prescribed radiotherapy treatment by delaying the onset and reducing the incidence of radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation (RIMD).
Which secondary dressing should be used with Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte)?
The type of secondary dressing will depend on the wound condition. On a wetter wound a more absorbent secondary dressing should be used to prevent maceration, e.g. Foam dressing or superabsorbent. On drier wounds a secondary dressing should be selected which will reduce evaporation and prevent the wound drying out, e.g. Film or Hydrocolloid.
Why is it important to take special care of my skin during radiotherapy?
It is important to limit the skin damage caused by the radiotherapy as much as possible, so that you can complete your treatment as comfortably as possible.
Please always check with your own radiotherapy centre in case their advice differs from the above.
Is there anything I need to consider when showering or taking a bath during radiotherapy?
- Take a shower using a gentle jet.
- If you would prefer to take a bath, ensure that you are using a neutral soap, soap-free alternative or a gentle oil and use lukewarm water, not too hot.
- Do not rub the area with a flannel, use your hands to wash.
- Gently pat the skin dry, do not rub. Dry the folds of the skin with care.
- If using deodorant, it may be easier to apply with a roll on so that you have more control over application, do not use on broken skin.
- Use an electric razor in the event of radiation to the throat, neck, or arm pit. Do not use aftershave/perfumes if the skin is broken or sore.
Please always check with your own radiotherapy centre in case their advice differs from the above.
Should I be careful what I wear around the area of my body receiving radiotherapy?
- Wear clothes that you feel comfortable wearing, ensure they do not rub and cause friction as this can make skin reactions more likely.
- Wear clothes that allow your skin to breathe.
- If you choose to wear a bra, ensure it is soft and comfortable and does not rub or cause friction.
- If you are having radiotherapy to the pelvis area, ensure that you wear soft and comfortable underwear and clothes that do not cause any friction.
Please always check with your own radiotherapy centre in case their advice differs from the above
Am I going to be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures than normal?
- Protect yourself from wind and cold.
- Cover the area of irradiated skin to avoid contact with direct sunlight.
- Do not apply bags of ice or a hot water bottle to the area of irradiated skin.
- Do not use a sauna or sunbed.
- If you would like to swim ensure that you shower thoroughly immediately after swimming to remove the chlorine, dry yourself and apply Flamigel ® RT once dry.
- DO NOT swim if you have broken or sore skin.
Please always check with your own radiotherapy centre in case their advice differs from the above
How should I look after my skin after my radiotherapy is completed?
Once your radiotherapy is complete the skin reaction may remain visible for another 2 to 4 weeks. It is recommended to continue all the measures above relating to bathing, clothing, skin care and exposure to extreme temperatures during the 2 to 4 weeks following radiotherapy.
Please always check with your own radiotherapy centre in case their advice differs from the above
Is Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) harmful for our skin cells (cytotoxic)?
Is Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) active against bacteria?
Yes, Flaminal® (Hydro & Forte) has been tested in vitro against a wide range of clinically isolated bacteria (such as MRSA, E. coli, E. aerogenes, P. aeruginosa,…). The enzyme system in Flaminal® is responsible for the growth inhibition and cell death of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
