Why does a “slimy” film sometimes appear on the wound bed after application of Acticoat?
Sometimes a “slimy” film will appear on the wound bed (typically around day 3) after the application of Acticoat. This film is referred to as a “benign coagulum” and is considered normal. Clinically, it does no harm and seems to be re-absorbed by the wound or absorbed by the dressing around day 4-5, if the wound and dressing are kept moist. This “benign coagulum” may also persist under dry conditions. In general, the film does not need to be washed off or removed with each dressing change. It is believed that the “benign coagulum” is a mixture of fibrin and denatured proteins. This film is most often seen on partial thickness wounds, such as donor sites.
