Secondary dressings should be changed 3 to 5 days after initial application, depending on wound type. It is important that the primary dressing should undisturbed and left in place for 5 to 7 days. Removing the primary dressing too early may strip away Apligraf® from the wound; subsequent dressing changes can occur once a week or at the discretion of the physician.
Please note that the appearance of Apligraf may change following application:
- Translucent, cellophane-like appearance within 1 week
- Yellow, gelatinous appearance when fully hydrated
Additional applications of Apligraf® may be necessary. Prior to additional applications, non-adherent remnants of Apligraf® should be gently removed. Healing tissue or adherent Apligraf® should not be disrupted. The wound bed should be cleansed with a non-cytotoxic solution prior to additional applications of Apligraf®. Additional applications of Apligraf® should not be applied over areas where Apligraf® is adherent.
Upon healing, appropriate steps should be taken to continue to control underlying disease.
Instructions for Patients Post healing:
Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients
Diabetic Foot Sore Prevention:
- Take appropriate actions to control your blood sugar.
- Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, red spots, or swelling. Inform your doctor immediately if you see any changes or injuries.
- Have a podiatrist or other health care professional trim your toenails straight across and file the edges.
- Always wear shoes when walking – never go barefoot.
- Wear thick, soft socks – avoid mended socks or those with seams, which could rub and cause blisters or other skin injuries.
- Before putting on your shoes, feel inside for pebbles or other small hard objects.
- Don't wear high heels, sandals, or shoes without toes.
- Don't try to remove calluses, corns,or warts by yourself – see your doctor for assistance in these cases.
Venous Leg Ulcer Patients
Once your ulcer has healed:
- Avoid long periods of sitting or standing whenever possible
- Raise your legs above the level ofyour heart as often as possible
- Wear compression stockings as instructed by your doctor
- Walk daily in sturdy, comfortable shoes that do not rub or slip on your feet – be sure to stop and rest if your feet or legs begin to hurt
- Talk to your doctor before you begin any fitness program
- Maintain a balanced diet – reduce your weight as recommended by your doctor
- Wash your legs and feet daily using a mild soap and warm (not hot) water
- Inspect your legs and feet regularly for signs of swelling, discoloration, dryness, bruises, or sores – inform your doctor immediately if you see any changes