Smith & Nephew Opsite Post Op Waterproof Wound Dressing (25cmx10cm)

Smith & Nephew Opsite Post Op Waterproof Wound Dressing (25cmx10cm) is a sterile, single-use dressing supplied as 1 dressing per pack, measuring 25cm by 10cm. It combines a low-adherent absorbent pad at the centre with a surrounding transparent polyurethane film coated in a low-allergy acrylic adhesive, forming one complete waterproof, breathable cover in a single application.

This is a non-medicine wound-care device that combines an absorbent pad with a waterproof outer film in a single sterile piece. Unlike an opaque pad-and-tape dressing, the outer film is fully transparent.

The absorbent pad draws fluid away from the wound bed, and its low-adherent surface reduces direct sticking to the tissue beneath it. The outer polyurethane film is a semi-permeable barrier: its microscopic structure blocks liquid water and bacteria from passing through from outside while still allowing water vapour and oxygen to move across it.

Ensure the surrounding skin is clean and completely dry before application, as moisture and body hair can reduce how well the adhesive film bonds. Peel back the dressing’s release liner without touching the absorbent pad, position the pad centrally over the wound, and smooth the film outward from the centre without stretching it, so it lies flat without wrinkles or air pockets. Leave the dressing undisturbed unless it is advised to be changed, becomes loose, or shows signs of leakage, and always remove it gently by lifting an edge and peeling slowly in the direction of hair growth.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine.

Use before the expiry date printed on the pack. The dressing remains sterile only while its individual pack is sealed and undamaged; discard it if the packaging has been opened, punctured, or shows signs of moisture ingress.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat or humidity. Keep the dressing in its sealed sterile pack until immediately before use.

• Common: Mild, temporary skin redness or an outline mark from the adhesive border after removal.
• Uncommon: Adhesive-related skin irritation, itching, or blistering, particularly if the film was stretched during application or left on longer than advised.

• Do not use on individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to acrylic adhesives or polyurethane film dressings.
• Avoid use on heavily infected or actively bleeding wounds without prior medical assessment.
• Use with extra care on fragile or thin skin, such as in elderly patients or those on long-term steroids, where adhesive removal can cause skin tears.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine.

• Make sure the surrounding skin is completely dry before applying the dressing for the best seal.
• Smooth the film on gently without stretching it, to avoid skin irritation at the edges.
• Avoid prolonged soaking or directing high-pressure water at the dressing, even though the outer film is water-resistant.
• Change the dressing according to your surgeon’s or pharmacist’s advice, or sooner if it lifts, leaks, or becomes soiled.
• Remove slowly in the direction of hair growth to minimise discomfort.
• Keep the sterile pack sealed until you are ready to apply it.

Precautions: This dressing should be applied and changed according to guidance from your surgical team or pharmacist rather than left in place indefinitely. People with known adhesive sensitivities should monitor the surrounding skin closely after application.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice promptly if the wound shows increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, if the dressing repeatedly leaks or lifts, or if a new skin reaction develops around the adhesive border.