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From my uni days we were told that, ' Opsite acts as a second skin' but I have never really used it and wondered in what instances you would use it and also if there were any contraindication issues? Just in case I was missing out on something.
I read in another thread that it was used for burning feet syndrome, so it probably has multiple uses - Am I missing out on something here?
Thanks phil.

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Phil,

Polyurethane film dressings (Opsite or Tegaderm) have been indicated for use in painful peripheral neuropathy, though it is most commonly used to hold IV lines in place.

It can also be used

• over blisters

• to reduce shear stress in stage one pressure sores

• Hold hydrogels onto a wound

• over steristrips to help keep water out

• as a secondary dressing to hold foams etc in place (window the middle)

__________________
Stephen Tucker
Calvary Health Care

My location

It also gets used a bit on superficial and partial thickness burns with reasonable success

Thank you gentleman for 'putting me in the picture' Any other applications appreciated.

Cheers Phil

Makes adhesives (felt mefix etc ) stick much better to sweaty teenage feet. Like Tib Co but better.

All that sweating is un neccesary! I think they're just being exhibitionist!

Robert

It can be used over warts treated with acid or cantharone to keep the area dry and promote absorption.

i use it for above ,but also like the flexi opsite placed over a really cracked heel
dedride first then apply and tape down leave on for 4 to 5 days. stops the area opening up after treatment and the area heals up well.

I, too, use a lot of Opsite spray for helping with adhesion of padding, but more often use it under strapping. I feel this can reduce irritation from the strapping tape.

philbrizell

I use the spray for heel fissures to seal the area. The dressings I find less useful but it does goive a clear window to view the lesion.

As for hot feet I can only assume, latent heat of evaporation caused when the base evaporates temporarily reduces the skin temperature. Surgical spirit would have a similar effect.

toeslayer

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My location

I use tons of opsite. For protection of thin atrophic skin and where dressings don't stay in place ie heel. Very well tolerated. Word of caution if used on open or sore skin stings like hell!

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Zaffie
My location

Hello,

I am wondering about its use for painful neuropathy. I had used it before in clinic on diabetic patient experiencing disturbances in sensation which worked pretty well. However, as I looked into the literature to justify this practice in my new work place, I have not found any substantial evidences for the use of Opsite spray on improving neuropathic pain. The only trial I found was the one conducted by Foster et al. 1994 on Opsite film. Anyone come across any other evidences to support its use?

I would also like to ask is there much difference between the Opsite spray and the Opsite film? I remember reading somewhere as well that the latter increases the risks of bacterial and fungal infection.

Thanks a lot

I use it to help my padding and mefix stick better , works well.

i have used it occasionally for diabetic neuropathy pain with mixed results
i havent tused the opsite spray, but have used the opsite flexifix which seemed to work better
but first they need to control their diabetes better

used the spray for tiny little grazes of the PNF from the burr

__________________
“Body: A thing of shreds and patches, borrowed unequally from good and bad ancestors and a misfit from the start”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

As mentioned above I must say that having sprayed it on myslef in the past, on a small open wound, it really, really stings!!!

Fine on dry areas though.

I use it routinely on nails after cutting/debridement. It also gives a bit of protection if they have been cut particularly short (usually at the pt request).

I can also confirm that it's an easy aid to getting sticky stuff to stick to skin.

As they say in Stoke, " eet dunner arf come keen!"

__________________
“Body: A thing of shreds and patches, borrowed unequally from good and bad ancestors and a misfit from the start”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I use it on small heams.

its great to make padding stick better especially on sweaty feet or if a product has been applied making the area greasy. also agree with ajs604 and its great on small cuts or areas of frictions/abrasion