Mepitel dressing

What is Mepitel?

Mepitel is a non-stick silicone dressing that is very versatile as it can be used on all types of wounds including covering stitches, steristrips and skin glue.

What does Mepitel do?

Mepitel acts as a protective layer between the wound and the dressing, allowing fluid to pass through it onto the gauze, keeping the wound area free of fluid in order for the the wound to heal well. This helps to prevent the dressing sticking.

Mepital is clear in colour which helps to see the wound through it without removing it. Alternatively the edge of the Mepital can be lifted to assess the wound and then laid back in place and redressed.

This helps minimise pain during dressing changes and prevents potential damage to new skin growth.

How long can it be left in place?

Mepitel can be left in place for 7 to 14 days. It must be kept covered with gauze and a bandage or other protective layers.

Can my child bath or wash while Mepitel is on?

The dressings are not waterproof and must be kept dry. Take care when washing your child.

Plastic bags should not be used to cover the dressing as they cause sweating and irritate the underlying skin. If a dressing gets wet, it becomes an ideal environment for harbouring bugs which then becomes infected.

How do I care for my child?

Children learn to adapt very quickly. This includes having limited movement due to injury or dressings. Children will only use the affected limb if pain allows them to and they feel comfortable.

Regular pain relief such as paracetamol can be helpful.

Consider giving pain relief before attending a clinic appointment to help minimise any pain on the dressing change.

How do I take Mepitel off?

If you have been asked to take the dressing off at home, remove the bandages and gauze and finally the Mepitel.

What do I need to look for?

Please watch for the following symptoms:

• If your child develops a temperature or becomes unwell
• Any red lines travelling away from the wound
• An increase in pain
• An offensive smell coming from the dressing
• If the dressing gets wet

What do I do if there are any problems?

Please call NHS 111 for general advice. You may need to see your GP or return to the Emergency Department if any of the above problems occur.