MELOLITE

A wound contact dressing that both absorbs exudate from the wound surface and releases cleanly at dressing change without adhering to healing tissue addresses two of the most practical challenges in routine wound management. Dressings that stick to the wound cause pain and tissue disruption at each change, slowing the healing process and making wound care an unwelcome experience. Melolite Dressing is a low adherent absorbent wound pad from Smith & Nephew. 5cm x 7.5cm. Pack of 100. Requires secondary securing. No prescription required.

Melolite Dressing is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. It is a sterile low adherent absorbent wound pad comprising two distinct layers: a perforated plastic film wound contact surface and an absorbent cotton and viscose pad above it. The dressing is applied with the perforated film side facing the wound surface and the absorbent pad facing away from the wound.

The perforated plastic film is the feature that gives Melolite its low adherent property. The film forms a smooth surface against the wound bed that does not bond to healing wound tissue or granulation tissue in the way that woven or non-woven dressings can. The perforations in the film allow wound exudate to pass through the film from the wound surface below into the absorbent pad above. The exudate is absorbed and retained within the absorbent pad, keeping the wound surface relatively free of accumulated fluid while the film itself continues to provide a smooth, low resistance interface against the wound.

Melolite is an unmedicated dressing. It contains no paraffin, no antimicrobial agents, and no active substances. This makes it suitable for a wide range of wound types where a low adherent wound contact and absorbent pad is required without the addition of any medicament. It is a practical, versatile dressing for minor wounds, cuts, abrasions, post-surgical wounds, skin donor sites, and other clean or healing wounds where routine wound management is needed.

Melolite is not self-adhesive. It requires a secondary dressing, tape, or fixation bandage to hold it in position over the wound. The pack of 100 pads provides an economical supply for healthcare settings, first aid rooms, district nursing, and general wound management contexts.

Melolite Dressing requires a secondary dressing or fixation method to hold it in place over the wound. Apply tape, a fixation bandage, or an appropriate secondary dressing over the Melolite pad after placement. Do not leave the pad unsecured on the wound, as it will not remain in position without fixation.

Perforated Film Wound Contact Surface

The perforated plastic film on the wound-facing side of Melolite creates a smooth, relatively low adherent interface between the dressing and the wound bed. The film does not bond to wound granulation tissue or healing wound tissue in the way that woven gauze or some non-woven dressings can, reducing the risk of the dressing adhering to the wound surface and causing disruption and pain when it is removed. The smooth film surface lies against the wound with minimal mechanical interlocking between the dressing material and the wound tissue.

Exudate Drainage Through Perforations

The perforations in the wound contact film are small openings that allow wound exudate produced at the wound surface to pass through the film from below and be absorbed by the cotton and viscose pad above. As the wound produces exudate, capillary action and fluid pressure draw the exudate through the perforations and into the absorbent pad. The pad absorbs and retains this fluid. By moving exudate away from the wound surface and into the overlying pad, Melolite helps to keep the wound surface from becoming saturated with accumulated fluid, which would otherwise delay healing and increase the risk of maceration of the surrounding skin.

Absorbent Pad

The cotton and viscose absorbent pad provides the fluid retention capacity of the Melolite dressing. Once exudate has passed through the perforated film it is absorbed into the pad fibres and retained. The absorbent capacity of the pad determines how long the dressing can manage the wound exudate before it reaches saturation and requires changing. For minor wounds with low to moderate exudate, Melolite provides adequate absorption for a standard dressing wear period.

Wound Preparation

• Irrigate the wound with sterile saline or clean water before applying.
• Allow the wound area to dry gently before placing the dressing.

Application

• Remove the dressing from its individual sterile packaging immediately before use.
• Identify the perforated film side of the dressing. This is the shiny film covered side that faces the wound.
• Place the dressing with the perforated film side against the wound surface.
• Ensure the dressing covers the full wound surface and extends slightly onto the surrounding skin.
• Secure the dressing in place with suitable tape, a fixation bandage, or a secondary dressing.

Change Frequency

• Change frequency depends on wound exudate level and the condition of the dressing.
• Change when the absorbent pad is saturated or when the dressing is soiled.
• Reassess the wound at each dressing change.

If the Melolite dressing appears to be adhering to the wound surface at dressing change, moisten the dressing with sterile saline and allow it to soften before gentle removal. Do not pull a dressing that is adhering firmly away from the wound surface.

Melolite Dressing 5cm x 7.5cm - Pack of 100

Melolite is supplied in packs of 100 sterile individually packaged pads, each 5cm x 7.5cm. This size is suited to minor wounds, cuts, abrasions, small post-surgical sites, and other wounds where a 5cm x 7.5cm pad provides adequate wound coverage. The pack of 100 provides an economical supply for healthcare settings or regular wound management needs. Each pad is individually packaged to maintain sterility until the point of use.

When Not to Use Melolite

• Heavily exuding wounds where the absorbent capacity of the 5cm x 7.5cm pad is insufficient for the exudate volume produced. A more absorbent dressing format would be more appropriate.
• Infected wounds where an antimicrobial wound contact dressing is clinically indicated.
• Cavity wounds where a flat pad cannot provide wound contact at depth.

Precautions

• Always secure with tape, fixation bandage, or secondary dressing. Melolite is not self-adhesive.
• Apply with the perforated film side facing the wound.
• Moisten with saline before removal if adherence is suspected.

Adverse Effects

• Film adherence in some cases, particularly on very dry wounds or wounds with minimal exudate.
• Skin irritation from the securing tape or secondary dressing in susceptible individuals.

Wound Types Where Melolite Is Appropriate

• Minor acute wounds including cuts, abrasions, grazes, and minor lacerations
• Wounds following surgery during the healing phase
• Skin donor sites during the initial wound healing period
• Superficial burns under clinical guidance
• General wound management where a low adherent absorbent pad is the appropriate dressing choice

Melolite vs Melolin

Melolite and Melolin are both low adherent absorbent wound pads from Smith & Nephew, and they are often confused due to their similar names and shared manufacturer. The key difference is the wound contact surface construction. Melolite has a perforated plastic film wound contact surface over the absorbent pad. Melolin has a perforated aluminium foil wound contact surface over a similar absorbent pad. Both provide low adherent wound contact and exudate absorption. Melolite is the plastic film version and Melolin is the foil version. The choice between them is typically one of clinical preference or availability within a particular setting.

Melolite Dressing does not require a prescription. The 5cm x 7.5cm pack of 100 is available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on Melolite and on other Smith & Nephew wound contact and absorbent dressings for different wound types and exudate levels.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep individual pads in their sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if the individual pad packaging is damaged.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Melolite Dressing is a genuine Smith & Nephew product stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on Melolite and on the wider Smith & Nephew wound dressing range for general wound management.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Melolite Dressing. REF #4811. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. NHS. Wound care: dressing selection guidance. NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk. Accessed June 2026.