What "non-adherent" means and why it matters
If a pad sticks to the wound, removing it tears off the new tissue you were trying to grow.
New tissue growing across a wound will bond to anything in contact with it. A non-adherent contact layer is designed to prevent that.
How it works
A low-adherent surface — often a perforated film or a silicone layer — sits between the wound and the absorbent core. Fluid passes through into the pad; the tissue does not grow into it.
Why it matters
Pulling off a pad that has bonded to a wound removes the fragile new surface and restarts healing. It also hurts a great deal and causes fresh bleeding.
If a dressing has stuck anyway
Do not pull. Soak it with sterile saline or clean water until it lifts freely. This can take several minutes of patience and is worth every second.
Where it matters most
Grazes, burns and any wound with a large open surface. For a small closed cut it is less critical, but there is no downside to having it.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.