Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

How often should Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film be re-applied?

A:

The protective film should last 48-72 hours, but re-application is required after each adhesive dressing/stoma pouch change.

Q:

How should I remove Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film?

A:

There is no need to remove - it will wear off naturally. If removal is required, the application and immediate removal of an adhesive tape, such as 3M™ Micropore™ Surgical Tape, will remove the film. Standard medical adhesive removers may also be used.

Q:

Can Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film be used on broken skin?

A:

Yes, it contains no alcohol, and can be safely used to provide pain-free protection on broken skin.

Q:

Can Cavilon Skin Care Products be used on infants?

A:

3M Health Care recommends that Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film can be used on infants over 1 month of age.

Q:

How much skin surface will the product cover?

A:

Q:

Is it possible to irradiate patients when the skin is treated with Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film?

A:

Although no formal studies have been completed, in the very few cases where skin has been subject to irradiation, no problematic effects have been seen.

Q:

Can Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film be prescribed by nurses?

A:

Yes. Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film is listed in part IXC of the Drug Tariff under Skin Fillers and Protectives. The Drug Tariff states that the list of preparations that may be prescribed by nurses includes Stoma Appliances and Associated Products as listed in part IXC.

Q:

Can Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film be used around tracheostomy sites?

A:

Yes. Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film can be applied around tracheostomy sites to prevent skin breakdown. It will help to protect the skin from fluid that could make the skin macerated and fragile.

Q:

Why can’t I find the Cavilon range of products listed in MIMS?

A:

In early 2003 the Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS) dropped the “Dressings & Appliances” section from their publication due to the increasing page count and the successful launch of a sister publication called MIMS for Nurses which is published 6 times a year. Therefore Cavilon Skin Care Products and other 3M dressings will not be found in the monthly version of MIMS. Listings can be found in EMIMS (the monthly electronic version which accompanies MIMS) and in MIMS for Nurses.

Q:

Why can’t I find the Cavilon range of products listed in the British National Formulary (BNF)?

A:

The BNF concentrates on giving information about items that are licensed as medicines. Nevertheless, Cavilon skin care products were previously listed in a BNF appendix on urinary and stoma appliances. This appendix was removed from the BNF for the September 1999 edition. It continued to be listed in the Nurse Prescribers Formulary (NPF) until the most recent edition. In the light of concerns about an increasing page count and limitations on available space, the NPF Subcommittee agreed that the information on urinary and stoma appliances need no longer be included in the NPF. The Subcommittee noted that the information was available to prescribers through the Drug Tariff and there seemed little point in duplicating it in the BNF.

Q:

How often should the product be re-applied?

A:

When used for incontinence, apply after every 3rd-4th incontinent episode/wash. When used as a moisturiser for severely dry skin, re-apply every other day.

Q:

Can Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream be applied to broken skin?

A:

No. Protection of broken or damaged skin is better accomplished with Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film.

Q:

What effect does Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream have on tapes/dressings?

A:

It will enable tapes and dressings to stick to the skin. In some circumstances, it may increase adhesion, so avoid using Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream under tapes/dressings on particularly fragile skin.

Q:

How should Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream be applied?

A:

Apply to clean, dry skin in pea-sized amounts, rubbing gently until it has been absorbed. Applying too much will make the skin feel oily.

Q:

Can Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream and Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film be used in combination?

A:

No, both products are better used alone.

Q:

Can Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream be used under stoma products?

A:

3M Health Care recommends that Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film is better used under stoma products, as it is clinically proven for use in this area.

Q:

Can Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream be used on children?

A:

Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream can be used on infants from birth. It is not indicated for use on neonatal skin, and since it increases adhesion, should not be used to protect against skin stripping on vulnerable skin.

Q:

Can Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream be prescribed by nurses?

A:

Yes. Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream is listed in part IXC of the Drug Tariff under Skin Fillers and Protectives. The Drug Tariff states that the list of preparations that may be prescribed by nurses includes Stoma Appliances and Associated Products as listed in part IXC.