Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I change my Elastoplast Fast Healing™ plaster?
You should not interrupt the wound healing process by changing the plaster too often. Leave it in place for at least two days in order not to interrupt the healing process. The longer you leave the wound undisturbed, the faster it will heal.
2. Does the Elastoplast Fast Healing™ platser stick to the wound?
No, it does not. The polyurethane technology ensures that the wound pad doesn't stick to the wound. Elastoplast Fast Healing™ patches adhere only to the area surrounding the wound and not to the wound itself.
3. Can you put an Elastoplast Fast Healing™ patch on a wound that has already formed a scab?
Yes, you can. The scab will be softened after some time and removed by Elastoplast Fast Healing™. However, the healing process will not proceed as smoothly and the results won't be as good as if you had applied Elastoplast Fast Healing™ before the formation of the scab.
4. Should you apply Elastoplast Fast Healing™ plasters to a heavily bleeding wound?
No, you should not. The absorption capacity of Elastoplast Fast Healing™ is much better than of traditional plasters, but the speed of absorption is slower. This means that you would have to change your Elastoplast Fast Healing™ plaster quickly. If your wound is bleeding heavily, you first have to stop the bleeding, for instance by firmly applying a gauze dressing to the wound. For the best results, apply an Elastoplast Fast Healing™ patch after you have stopped the bleeding.
5. Can you use Elastoplast Fast Healing™ plasters on infected wounds?
No, you should not! If there are signs of infection like extensive redness, warmth itching, pain or burning, you should remove Elastoplast Fast Healing™ and consult your doctor. An infection has to be treated with systemic antibiotics or topical (local) antiseptics. The wound has to be inspected regularly.
6. Can people with sensitive skin or allergies use Elastoplast Fast Healing™ plasters?
Yes, the patch is suitable for people with sensitive skin as well as for people with skin that shows allergic reactions to common wound treatment products. Nevertheless, please double check whether you might be allergic to one of the ingredients (e.g. polyurethane, acrylate) of Elastoplast Fast Healing™.
7. Isn’t a moist wound environment a breeding ground for germs and bacteria?
Definitely not! In fact, under moist conditions the bacterial defense mechanisms work more effectively than under a dry scab. Several studies show that there are fewer wound infections under moist conditions!
8. Is the yellow layer on the wound a sign of infection?
No, it is not. The layer consists of necrotic tissue and cells and is necessary for moist wound healing. The appearance of a light yellow fluid on the surface of a light red wound is a normal side effect of the wound healing process. However, if signs of infection like redness, warmth, pain, itching or burning arise, you should remove the strip and seek medical advice.
9. Is the formation of a scab necessary for successful wound healing?
No, it is not. On the contrary, a scab can actually impair fast wound healing. The scab acts as a natural dressing, but closure of the wound is prolonged, as new cells cannot grow and move as quickly to close the wound as in a moist wound environment.
10. How much faster is the healing process when I cover my wound with an Elastoplast Fast Healing™ plaster?
An exact quantification of healing in dry or moist conditions varies individually and depends on the kind and size of the wound. However, clinical studies demonstrate that wound healing in a moist environment is accelerated up to 50%*.
*Agren MS et al. Occlusion versus air exposure on full-thickness biopsy wounds. Journal of Wound Care; 2001, Vol.10, No. 8: 301-304
11. What are the advantages of Elastoplast Fast Healing™ patches in comparison to regular plasters?
Elastoplast Fast Healing™ plasters are based on an advanced technology providing optimal moist wound healing conditions and permitting control of the moisture level and temperature of the wound. Studies have shown that under moist conditions, wounds can heal faster and scab formation is prevented. This is because moist wound healing promotes cell growth and migration and ensures that essential proteins stay in the wound.
