Charcoal dressings neutralise volatile fatty acids which cause wound odour. Significant unpleasant wound odour can be caused by infection, exudate from a fistula or sinus, necrotic or sloughy tissue. The cause/source of the odour should be identified and corrected wherever possible.

Charcoal is inactivated once wet so should be used as a secondary dressing and replaced when wet. Topical antibiotics e.g. gel and creams should not be first choice.

CliniSorb 

(Sterile activated charcoal cloth sandwiched between layers of nylon/viscose rayon cloth)

• 10 x 10cm (£2.07), 10 x 20cm (£2.76), 15 x 25cm (£4.44)

Indications

• Management of malodorous wounds such as fungating wounds, pressure ulcers, leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers

Notes

1. CliniSorb is not suitable for direct contact with the wound
2. Can be cut to size
3. Change frequency/ wear time = up to 7 days

CarboFlex

(Sterile, non-adhesive, multilayer dressing with a highly absorbent wound contact layer and an activated charcoal cloth)

• Square 10 x 10cm (£3.51)
• Rectangle 15 x 20cm (£7.97)
• Oval 8 x 15cm (£4.21)

Indications

• For the management of malodorous wounds

Notes

1. CarboFlex is appropriate for use in direct contact with the wound
2. Change frequency/ wear time = up to 3 days