Q: How do I use Flaminal®?
- Clean and rinse the wound as you would normally
- Dab dry carefully &
- Apply a thick layer (5mm) of Flaminal® to the wound in a sterile manner. Flaminal® does not need to spill over the wound edge.
Q. What dressing should I use with Flaminal®?
- The choice of dressing depends upon the condition of the wound. A more absorbent dressing should be used on a wetter wound. A dressing that reduces evaporation and stops the wound from drying out should be used on drier wounds.
Q. Can I use foam dressings with Flaminal®?
- Yes, foam dressings can be used. Use foam on more highly exuding wounds.
Q. When should the dressing be changed?
- In yellow/sloughy wounds and/or necrotic wounds, Flaminal® should be changed every 1-2 days.
- In drier/granulating wounds, Flaminal® should be changed every 3-4 days.
- The dressing can stay in place for as long as the gel structure is intact: 1-4 days, depending upon the amount of exudates.
Q. Is Flaminal® difficult to remove from the wound?
- No. Flaminal® can be washed from a wound using either water or saline. Flaminal® does not stick to a wound.
Q: Do I need a prescription to buy Flaminal®?
- No, Flaminal® can be purchased without a prescription from any retail pharmacy.
Q: Can diabetics use Flaminal®?
- Yes, diabetic patients can use Flaminal® on their wounds.
Q. Flaminal® seems to have made the wound larger?
- In the initial stage of treatment, this is normal. Flaminal® is debriding the dead tissue around the wound edges.
Q. What is the difference between Flamigel® and Flaminal®?
- Flamigel® and Flaminal® are differentiated on the basis of the wounds they treat. Flamigel® is “first aid in a tube” – recommended for superficial burns and minor wounds such as grazes, cuts and bruises. Flaminal® is used to treat more serious wounds including 2nd degree burns, leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, chronic & traumatic wounds, surgical & post-operative wounds, skin tears, complex grazes and wounds from dermatosurgery.
- Flamigel® is the combination of a hydrogel and a hydrocolloid. Flaminal® is an alginate gel with enzymes that kill absorbed bacteria.
Q. I’ve noticed dry, whitish flakes on the edge of the wound?
- This is normal. The whitish flakes are flakes of the alginate in Flaminal® which deposit on the wound edge to prevent border maceration. Maceration can slow the healing process of the wound.
Q. I’ve noticed a faint odour when using Flaminal®?
- This is normal. Alginates have a faint odour, but this odour has no influence on the healing process. Should there be a sudden or distinct odour, consult your healthcare professional.
Q. I’ve noticed dry, white flakes in the wound?
- If you have been using Flaminal® Forte, change to Flaminal® Hydro. The wound is too dry for the Forte.
Q. Do I have to keep the wound dry after applying Flaminal®?
- Yes, it is necessary to keep the wound dry. If you need to shower when the Flaminal® and dressing is in place, protect the wound with a plastic bag or something similar that is waterproof. Should the wound and dressing get wet – remove the dressing, rinse the wound, reapply the Flaminal® and then re-dress the wound.
Q. I’ve been using Flaminal® Hydro, but the wound seems very runny?
- The wound is too wet for Flaminal® Hydro, change to Flaminal® Forte.
Q. What should I do when there is no Flaminal® Hydro left on the wound and alginate flakes can be observed?
- The wound is very dry and even the low concentration of alginate in the Flaminal® Hydro is drying out. Replace the Flaminal® Hydro and cover with a dressing which will reduce evaporation, e.g. a film or hydrocolloid.
Q. Can Flaminal® be used where a wart has been removed?
- Yes. Use Flaminal® Hydro.
Q. Can pregnant women use Flaminal®?
- Yes, as there is no absorption of Flaminal® into the body, pregnancy is not a contra-indication.
Q. Can Flaminal® be used on the eyelids or in the eyes?
- No, Flaminal® should not be used in or around the eyes. If Flaminal® does come into contact with the eyes, seek medical assistance.
Q. Can Flaminal® be used on suture lines?
- Yes, apply Flaminal® Hydro. Should there be a lot of exudate, use Flaminal® Forte.
Q. Is Flaminal® hypo-allergenic?
- Yes, Flaminal® is hypo-allergenic.
Q. Is there bacterial resistance to Flaminal®?
- No, to date, there have not been any reports of bacterial resistance.
Q. Is Flaminal® poisonous if ingested?
- No, Flaminal® is not poisonous. Many foods contain alginates.
Q. How should Flaminal® be stored?
- Flaminal® should be kept in a cool dry place (<25°C) and in its original packaging.
Q. Can Flaminal® be stored in the refrigerator?
- Yes. Flaminal® can be stored in the refrigerator. In fact, if the room temperature where the Flaminal® is stored is likely to exceed 25°C, it is preferable to keep Flaminal® in the refrigerator. Flaminal® should not be stored in the freezer.
Q. Once opened, does the Flaminal® 50g tube need to be thrown away immediately?
- No, even after it is opened, Flaminal® is okay until the expiry date shown on the packaging, provided the cap is replaced securely after use and the tube stored below 25°C. Flaminal® should not be shared. It should only be used by one person.
Q. Once opened, for how long can I continue to use the Flaminal® 500g tub?
- Once the Flaminal® 500g tub has been opened, any unused contents should be discarded after 7 days.
Q. Does Flaminal® contain a preservative?
- Yes, Flaminal® is preserved with potassium sorbate.
