A new antimicrobial dressing suitable for severe and highly exudating wounds has been launched in the UK.

Hydrofera Blue (pictured) from Swindon-based company Synergy Health has been developed from blood purification technology.

The dressing is made from poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) foam that can absorb up to 25 times its own mass in fluids, while binding and eliminating endotoxins.

The foam is combined with two active organic pigments, Gentian Violet and Methylene Blue, which have broad-spectrum bactericidal properties.

The unique construction of Hydrofera Blue means that no antimicrobial chemicals are deposited in the wound.

The combination of pigments was invented by Dr Edward Shanbrom, a pioneer in the use of natural products to cleanse blood.

Hydrofera Blue is effective against the most common pathogens that affect wounds in the UK, including E. coli and MRSA.

The sponge-like foam base of the dressing means that it is both comfortable and durable, and contours easily to the wound bed.

The product has been used extensively in the US since 2003, but until now has not been available to the UK healthcare market. Synergy Health is currently evaluating its use in acute and community settings.

Hydrofera Blue is available in a range of sizes for wounds varying from moderate to heavily exudating. Tunnel and ostomy versions are also available.

Rachel Downham, Woundcare Product Manager for Synergy Health, said: “Hydrofera Blue provides a real step change in advanced wound care management. It has the potential to increase the rate of wound healing and improve pain and odour control, offering big advantages from both a patient comfort and a cost reduction perspective.”

Synergy Health delivers a range of specialist outsourced services to clients in healthcare and health management.

A new training film to support the treatment of atopic eczema is available free to healthcare professionals on DVD and online.

The short film, launched by UK company Synergy Health in association with the National Eczema Society, provides a ‘how to’ guide to techniques for managing the painful skin disorder.

Aimed at carers of children with eczema, as well as adults with the condition, the DVD promotes the Synergy Health Comfi range of eczema wrappings.

It also features advice from the National Eczema Society and instruction from dermatology nurse Julie Van Onselen – who demonstrates wet, dry and patch wrapping on children and adults, and provides guidance on which wrapping method to choose.

“People with eczema and their carers are often confronted with a whole variety of treatment regimens,” commented Julie Van Onselen. “They need to understand when and how to use emollients, other topical treatments such as topical steroids, and other management techniques such as wet and dry wrapping. Controlling eczema and symptoms of itch, discomfort and inflammation may be achieved when emollients, treatments and techniques are used together for ongoing management of eczema.”

Margaret Cox, Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society, said: “Managing atopic eczema can be truly challenging, and patient education and support is very important. We believe that the DVD can be a valuable practical tool in helping people to better understand the condition and find the right strategies to help them to have better control over their eczema and so improve their quality of life immeasurably.”

Synergy Health launched the DVD at a recent British Association of Dermatologists meeting.

Based in Swindon, Synergy Health supplies outsourced support services to the global healthcare market.

Synergy Health DVD