Conventionally, dressings for the treatment of wounds or pressure sores are essentially flat dressings which are sufficiently conformable to be applied to flat or curved areas of the body and possess a sufficient absorbent capacity to absorb wound exudate. Such flat dressings are not very suitable for applying on protruding parts of the body such as elbows, heels or the tips of fingers or toes.
Published EP application No. 0 573 708 discloses a process for the forming of means comprising hydrocolloid adhesives for wound treatment. This reference discloses production of means or dressings for treatment of wounds which means or dressings can be prepared in a continuous manner.
Published EP application No. 0 092 999 discloses an occlusive wound dressing which may be used for treatment of wounds on the skin and a particulate or granular material being able to act together with the exudate of the wound. Wounds secreting vast amounts of liquid may be treated by firstly applying the granulate material and then to cover the wound with the material for treating wounds. This reference is silent with respect to three-dimensional dressings and concentrate on wounds or damages from which a considerable amount of liquid is secreted.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,748 discloses a dressing containing a water-soluble or water-swellable hydrocolloid, a water-insoluble, viscous elastomeric binder and optionally a tackifier resin which is bevelled along all outer edges and optionally also, if annular, along the inner edge.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,732 discloses a skin barrier consisting of an elastic film, secured to the film a layer of at least weakly elastic adhesive material, these two components together having low resistance to quick deformation and rapid recovery to substantially the original shape after deformation, the plastic properties of the adhesive thereby being compensated by the elasticity of the film. Optionally there may be a protective cover on the other side of the adhesive layer. The adhesive material consists of a hydrocolloid dispersed in a continuous phase consisting of a mixture of a physically cross-linked elastomer, a hydrocarbon resin tackifier, a plasticizer for the elastomer, an antioxidant and optionally an oily extender. This reference does not disclose three-dimensional dressings.
DK patent No. 147,226 discloses a dressing having an adhesive layer and a water-proof polymer film. The dressing comprises a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive and a water-impermeable flexible polymer film in which the adhesive comprises a rubbery elastomer in which is distributed a water-soluble or water-swellable hydrocolloid or a mixture of hydrocolloids, a tackifying resin and a plasticizer. Between the adhesive layer and the flexible polymer film is a layer of flexible foam having semi-open cells. The reference does not disclose three-dimensional dressings.
Published EP application No. 0 055 023 discloses an antiseptic adhesive comprising a natural or synthetic viscous rubbery mixture having one or more water-swellable hydrocolloids and antiseptic agents. It has been shown that having one or more antiseptic agents incorporated in the adhesive, the probability of bacterial growth will be reduced considerably and in many cases be totally avoided. The healing effect does not seem to be adversely afflicted. This reference does not mention three-dimensional dressings.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,541 discloses a prepared bandage complementary to the end of a finger including at least the first joint thereof, and having an adhesive strip for holding the bandage on the finger.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,847,005 discloses a surgical dressing for forming a finger cot. The dressing comprises an elongated flexible member permanently formed as an arcuate trough for disposition longitudinally along the outer surface of a finger, said trough including an open rear end and a closed forward end portion, and comprising a part to be folded over the finger once placed in the trough. The part to be folded over the finger comprises a strip of adhesive along its edge adhering to the finger.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,875,785 discloses a finger tip bandage having a central cornpress or protecting pad with adjoining adhesive areas in the form of a flat sheet having two pairs of notches to allow bending the bandage to fit the finger.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,243,422 discloses a finger bandaging unit comprising a gauze pad having substantially rectangular body and a tab portion extending from one edge thereof and adhesive-surfaced securing means carried by said pad.
Published International Patent Application No. WO 92/05756 discloses a conformable wound dressing of concavo-convex or cup-like shape comprising a body facing layer of an apertured elastomeric material having a concave nonadherent wound contacting surface, an outer layer of bacteria impermeable moisture vapor transmitting elastomeric film having an outwardly facing convex surface and an extensible intermediate layer of absorbent material which may be a sheet of polymer foam. The dressing is made from a flat blank.
None of the above references disclose nor indicate the existence of three-dimensional dressings for covering a protruding part of the body, said dressing having a three-dimensional part having an adhesive surface for contacting the wound.
One object of the invention is to provide a dressing, for example a finger tip or toe tip dressing allowing the choice of materials and form of the dressing ensuring an improved healing and a dressing being simple to produce and to apply to the wound to be covered. Another object of the invention is to provide a dressing which may prevent e.g. wearing or abrasion damages, e.g. on heels or elbows, and are provided with a surface which may be adapted to the environment in which the dressing is to be used giving a longer effective time of use for the dressing between the change the dressing. A further object of the invention is to provide a dressing which comprises emollients or e.g. retinoids for treating or preventing formation of psoriasis, eczema, callous skin, corns or blisters. A still further object of the invention is to provide processes for the preparation of such dressings.