ACTICOAT FLEX 3

Managing infection in wounds is one of the most important factors in supporting effective healing. ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is a conformable nanocrystalline silver antimicrobial dressing from Smith+Nephew, providing continuous antimicrobial activity for up to three days. Its knitted polyester fabric construction allows it to conform to curved and contoured body surfaces. No prescription is required.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Smith+Nephew incorporating nanocrystalline silver technology under the SILCRYST trademark. It is the flexible variant of the standard ACTICOAT three-day dressing range. Unlike ACTICOAT Silcryst Nanocrystals, which uses a polyethylene mesh construction, ACTICOAT FLEX 3 uses a knitted polyester fabric as the carrier for the nanocrystalline silver coating. This fabric construction gives the dressing a significantly greater degree of flexibility and conformability, allowing it to follow the natural contours of the body and maintain close contact with wounds on irregular or curved surfaces.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is designed for a three day wear period. It is the three day flexible variant of the ACTICOAT range. For clinicians choosing between ACTICOAT products, the choice depends on required wear time and whether the wound location requires a conformable dressing.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is indicated for use on partial and full thickness burns, chronic wounds including leg ulcers and pressure ulcers, acute traumatic wounds, and split thickness skin graft sites. It is used where there is evidence of wound infection, a high risk of infection, or as part of a structured infection prevention strategy.

Important — use sterile water only: ACTICOAT FLEX 3 must be moistened with sterile water before application and kept moist during the wear period. Never use saline (sodium chloride solution). Chloride ions in saline deactivate the nanocrystalline silver. Tap water is also unsuitable — only sterile water should be used.

Nanocrystalline Silver Technology

The antimicrobial action of ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is delivered through nanocrystalline silver, deposited as nanoscale crystals onto the conformable polyester fabric layers. Nanocrystalline silver has a much higher surface area per unit of silver than conventional silver compounds. This significantly increases the rate and quantity of silver ion release, producing a sustained and potent antimicrobial effect.

Mechanism of Antimicrobial Action

When moistened with sterile water, the nanocrystalline silver releases silver ions continuously across the dressing surface. Silver ions interfere with microbial cell function through multiple mechanisms: disrupting the cell membrane, interfering with bacterial enzyme systems, and preventing bacterial DNA replication. This broad mechanism of action means silver is effective against a wide range of wound pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Candida albicans.

Sustained Release and Three Day Activity

The nanocrystalline silver coating in ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is designed to sustain silver ion release for up to three days when kept adequately moist with sterile water. The moistening schedule is typically once or twice daily, depending on wound exudate and the clinical environment. The conformable fabric construction does not compromise the silver ion release mechanism; ACTICOAT FLEX 3 delivers the same SILCRYST nanocrystalline silver activity as the standard ACTICOAT range in a more adaptable format.

Read the full Instructions for Use provided with the product before applying. The following is a summary for general guidance only. ACTICOAT FLEX 3 should be applied by a trained healthcare professional or under clinical supervision for complex wounds. Patients or carers managing simple wounds at home should receive instruction from a healthcare professional before first use.

Before Application

• Wash hands thoroughly or use appropriate gloves.
• Clean and prepare the wound according to clinical guidelines.
• Remove ACTICOAT FLEX 3 from its sterile packaging immediately before use.
• Moisten the dressing with sterile water before placing it on the wound. The dressing should be damp but not dripping.
• Do not use saline, tap water, or any other solution to moisten the dressing.

Application

• Place the moistened dressing over the wound with the silver mesh surface facing the wound bed.
• Ensure the dressing covers the entire wound and extends slightly beyond the wound margins.
• Secure with an appropriate secondary dressing or fixation method as directed by your healthcare professional.
• Label the dressing with the application date and time.

During Wear

• Moisten the dressing with sterile water once or twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional, to maintain antimicrobial activity.
• Do not allow the dressing to dry out completely during the wear period.
• The dressing may be left in place for up to three days if the wound condition allows and clinical assessment indicates this is appropriate.
• Remove immediately if signs of adverse reaction occur, including increased pain, significant skin irritation, or worsening infection signs.

Removal

• Moisten the dressing with sterile water before removal to minimise trauma to the wound bed.
• Remove gently. Do not forcibly pull the dressing from the wound.
• Assess the wound at each dressing change and seek clinical advice if the wound is not progressing as expected.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 — 5cm x 5cm

Suitable for small wounds, digit wounds, small hand or foot burns, and localised acute wounds. The flexible construction is particularly useful for wrapping around fingers, toes, or other small contoured areas where a rigid dressing would not conform.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 — 10cm x 10cm

Suitable for medium-sized wounds including partial thickness burns on curved areas, joint wounds, and moderate leg ulcers. The conformable fabric allows the dressing to follow the natural contour of the knee, elbow, ankle, or other curved anatomical areas.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 — 10cm x 20cm

A larger rectangular size suitable for extended wounds on the limbs, larger burn areas, and skin graft sites where conformability across a longer surface is needed. Can be cut to size using sterile scissors while maintaining the flexible construction.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 — 20cm x 40cm

The largest size, suitable for extensive wound areas including significant burns and large skin graft sites. Primarily for clinical use. The flexible fabric maintains its conformable properties even at this larger size, making it suitable for circumferential limb wounds and other large contoured areas. Can be cut to shape with sterile scissors.

Size selection: choose a dressing that covers the entire wound bed and extends at least 1cm beyond the wound margin. ACTICOAT FLEX 3 can be cut to size with sterile scissors to match irregular wound shapes — this is one of the advantages of the flexible construction. Seek clinical guidance for complex or large wound areas.

Contraindications

• Do not use on patients with a known sensitivity or allergy to silver.
• Do not use in body cavities without specific clinical direction.
• Do not use in conjunction with oil-based products (including petrolatum-based dressings or ointments) directly under the dressing, as these can impair silver ion release.

Precautions

• ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is a single use product. Do not reuse, resterilise, or reapply a used dressing.
• Avoid prolonged, continuous use without clinical reassessment. Extended use of silver dressings beyond clinical need is not recommended. Reassess at each dressing change and discontinue when infection is controlled and the wound is healing without signs of infection.
• Use with caution in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Systemic silver absorption from topical silver dressings is generally low but data in pregnancy is limited. Seek clinical advice.
• The dressing may cause a grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound and surrounding skin. This is caused by silver deposition (argyria) and is usually localised and cosmetically significant rather than clinically harmful. It typically resolves when silver dressing use is discontinued.
• Do not use MRI scanning with ACTICOAT FLEX 3 in place. Remove before MRI procedures.
• Silver dressings are not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in patients with spreading cellulitis, systemic infection, or sepsis. Clinical assessment and appropriate systemic treatment take precedence.

Adverse Effects

• Localised skin irritation or sensitivity reactions at the wound margin. Discontinue if persistent.
• Discolouration of wound bed and periwound skin. This is expected and is documented in the product Instructions for Use.
• Pain on application or removal if the dressing is allowed to dry. Maintain adequate moisture throughout the wear period.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 Is Suitable For Use On:

• Partial and full thickness burns where infection prevention or management is needed.
• Chronic wounds including venous leg ulcers, arterial leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers with signs of infection or at high risk of infection.
• Acute traumatic wounds with infection risk.
• Split thickness skin graft donor sites and recipient sites.
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 Should Not Be Used On:

• Patients with known allergy to silver.
• Wounds being treated with oil-based topical products unless these are removed and the wound is cleaned before applying the silver dressing.
• Dry wounds or wounds with minimal exudate without the ability to maintain adequate moisture levels — discuss with a healthcare professional.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is a professional grade wound care product. Complex wounds including significant burns, pressure ulcers, and non healing leg ulcers should be managed under clinical supervision. Consult a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP if unsure whether ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is appropriate for a specific wound.

ACTICOAT FLEX 3 is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. It can be purchased directly through Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation. It is available in four sizes: 5cm x 5cm, 10cm x 10cm, 10cm x 20cm, and 20cm x 40cm.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy stocking a range of professional wound care products including antimicrobial dressings, primary wound dressings, and wound care accessories. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

If you are unsure which size or type of dressing is most appropriate for your wound, our pharmacists are available to advise. For complex or non healing wounds, we recommend seeking clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse or GP alongside your dressing purchases.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Store below 25°C. Keep in the original sealed packaging until immediately before use. Each dressing is individually sterile packed. Do not use if the packaging is damaged, punctured, or shows signs of compromise. Check the expiry date on the packaging before use. Do not use after the expiry date. Once opened, use immediately. Do not store a partially used dressing. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste in accordance with local clinical waste disposal guidelines.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy committed to providing access to professional grade wound care products with clear, clinically accurate information. All wound care products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains. Our pharmacists are available to advise on product selection, application guidance, and when clinical referral for wound assessment is appropriate.

References

1. Smith+Nephew. ACTICOAT FLEX 3 Antimicrobial Barrier Dressing — Instructions for Use. Smith+Nephew Medical Ltd. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed May 2026.
2. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Antimicrobial stewardship in wound management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Wound care products and elastic hosiery — Drug Tariff and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
4. Wound Infection in Clinical Practice. International consensus. EWMA (European Wound Management Association). https://ewma.org. Accessed May 2026.