Optimal Properties of Barrier Dressings

Local skin irritation reactions occasionally are reported with the use of chlor-hexidine. Long-term experience demonstrated an extremely low incidence of sensitization reactions. There have been isolated reports of generation allergic reactions, and in the most severe cases shock has occurred (Kimura et al. 1994). 

Shelf stability of a product is of critical importance because it is affected by longterm antimicrobial and antioxidizing activity enhanced by preservative agents compared to only antimicrobial agents that are added to dressings for thwarting infection in a wound. Preferably, a preservative can be added to a product that possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that will allow the product to maintain activity before reaching a planned expiration date, and prevent infection when applied to wounds. 

The properties of human tissue were studied before evaluating noninflammatory response of injured tissue to contact with barrier dressings to protect wounds, and pertinent physical properties are contained in Appendix A 2.6.1. The following properties are those deduced from the experiments and tests. 

Formulations of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Liquid Bandage12), polyvinyl acetate, poly-butryal were successful in rat studies, however, a spray-on bandage is recommended for ease-of-use and, especially for one-hand application such as with a pump-type spray bottle. Aerosol cans are under pressure and may not be allowed to be carried on aircraft. 

The following formulations are recommended for testing on excised rates  

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