Thin film adhesive dressings preparation and use

A method of treating a wound which comprises applying to the wound a dressing which comprises a backing layer having over one surface thereof a continuous adhesive layer, which adhesive comprises a gel adhesive which is not self-adherent and which may be removed from the skin without damage thereto, wherein the dressing has a moisture vapour transmission rate of at least 300 gm.sup.-2 hr.sup.-1 at 37.degree. C. and 100 to 10% relative humidity difference when in contact with moisture vapour and wherein the content of water leachable materials from the adhesive is less than 10%.

A method of treating a cavernous wound which comprises filling into the wound cavity an absorbent material and then applying over the wound a dressing which comprises a backing layer having over one surface thereof a continuous adhesive layer which adhesive comprises a gel adhesive which is not self-adherent and which may be removed from the skin without damage thereto, wherein the dressing has a moisture vapour transmission rate of at least 300 gm.sup.-2 hr.sup.-1 at 37.degree. C. and 100 to 10% relative humidity difference when in contact with moisture vapour and wherein the content of water leachable materials from the adhesive is less than 10%.

A surgical incise drape which comprises a backing layer coated over the operative area thereof with an adhesive layer which comprises a gel adhesive which is not self-adherent and which may be removed from the skin without damage thereto, wherein the drape has a moisture vapour transmission rate of at least 300 gm.sup.-2 hr.sup.-1 at 37.degree. C. and 100 to 10% relative humidity difference when in contact with moisture vapour and wherein the content of water leachable materials from the adhesive is less than 10%.

A dressing for covering cannulae sites which comprises a transparent film having upon substantially the whole of one surface thereof a continuous layer of transparent adhesive which comprises a gel adhesive which is not self-adherent and which may be removed from the skin without damage thereto, wherein the dressing has a moisture vapour transmission rate of at least 300 gm.sup.-2 hr.sup.-1 at 37.degree. C. and 100 to 10% relative humidity difference when in contact with moisture vapour and wherein the content of water leachable materials from the adhesive is less than 10%.

A method of retaining a cannula on the skin at a cannula site which method comprises covering the site with a transparent film having upon substantially the whole of one surface thereof a continuous layer of transparent adhesive which comprises a gel adhesive which is not self-adherent and which may be removed from the skin without damage thereto, wherein the film and adhesive has a moisture vapour transmission rate of at least 300 gm.sup.-2 hr.sup.-1 at 37.degree. C. and 100 to 10% relative humidity difference when in contact with moisture vapour and wherein the content of water leachable materials from the adhesive is less than 10%.