Abstract: An external incontinence device which reduces or eliminates maceration, skin irritation, microbial skin infiltration and infection, and urinary tract infection associated with conventional urinary catheters and incontinence devices is provided. Devices of the invention comprise, in a plurality of configurations, a housing having an outlet conduit, and several alternative means for attaching the housing to a para-meatal genital surface, including a barrier disc comprising various adhesive and medically active substances which form an occlusive adhesive seal with the para-meatal surface. Adhesive leaves made of fluid-absorptive or fluid-permeable materials are provided to adhere the device to skin while permitting removal of moisture from the underlying skin surface, thus eliminating maceration. Vapor permeable adhesives on the interior surface of the attachment elements, and a microbial-barrier layer provided on inner surfaces of the several configurations of housings are also provided.

Abstract: A thin film wound dressing that is particularly easy to position accurately and apply smoothly to form an occlusive seal comprises three layers: a first wound covering layer being permeable to gases and water vapor while being impermeable to microbes and liquids; a second adhesive layer intimately disposed on the first layer for use in occlusively attaching the invention to skin or wound surfaces; and a third release backing layer disposed on the second adhesive layer. The release backing layer has a functionally contiguous or integral pull-tab attached in a manner that creates a substantially U-shaped release backing/pull-tab assembly. The release backing and pull-tab portions of the assembly are highly flexible while also being highly resistant to elongation to facilitate the smooth and wrinkle-free application of the first and second layers to skin or wound surfaces and formation of an occlusive, microbe and liquid impermeable barrier.

Abstract: A device and composition securely affixes an invasive medical apparatus to an entrance site and controls infections associated with the infiltration of microbes along the external walls of such apparatus. Provided in sterile form, the device takes various shapes and sizes and is configured for use with various sizes and types of invasive medical apparatus. The device can incorporate a hydrocolloid composition which, by virtue of is adhesive properties, holds that device in place at a skin entrance site. Alternatively, fixation is effected by adhesive provided on mating surfaces of the device or by thin-film, adhesive leaves.