Abstract: A process for producing a sterile foam for medical or veterinary use is provided. A physiologically acceptable formulation for application to a body as a foam contains a foamable gelling agent. The formulation is foamed and treated with a precipitant which is calcium citrate or a calcium ion. The precipitant is combined with the foamable gelling agent before or during the foaming of the gelling agent. The foam thus obtained is allowed to cure and is then immersed in a bath of the precipitant. The treated foam is dried and sterilized by exposure to gamma-irradiation or ethylene oxide.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising an admixture of a finely divided alginate (or a salt or derivative thereof) together with a finely divided carrier material. The composition overcomes the problems associated with applying gel-forming alginates to a body surface without formation of a clumpy paste that leads to local irritation. An admixture of sodium alginate and a water-soluble glass carrier material is preferred. Optionally, the alginate and carrier material each have a particle size of less than 150 &mgr;m diameter and are present in a weight ration of 20:30 to 80:20. The presence of the carrier aids even gel formation and also promotes wound healing.