Abstract: An adhesive wafer for use as the faceplate of an ostomy appliance is disclosed. The wafer includes an adhesive layer of hydrocolloid-containing material having first and second surfaces, a flexible backing layer covering the first surface, and a removable release sheet extending over the second surface. The release sheet has at least a portion of its outer surface mirrored to reflect images during application of the wafer to the peristomal skin surfaces of an ostomate.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance and a mounting disc include an ostomy pouch having a stoma receiving portal. The mounting disc is sealed about the portal and includes a flexible plastic disc having a convex central body portion and a surrounding annular rim. A first foam disc having an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the rim is adhesively adhered to the plastic disc. A second foam disc is adhered to an adhesive face of the first foam disc and has an outer diameter greater than the plastic disc. A hydrocolloid skin shield disc having an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the second foam disc is adhesively adhered to an adhesive face of the second disc.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, said wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and an optionally separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy, said ostomy appliance further comprising a separate sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma, said sealing member being of a hypo-allergenic adhesive and being in the form of a moldable mass or a ring.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch for both one and two-piece ostomy appliances having an integral closure at the bottom of the pouch to allow the pouch to be emptied and re-sealed without the use of a separate closure. The integral closure has mating parts that are locked together and provides the ostomy appliance with a leak-proof, odor-proof seal when in a closed, sealed, and locked position. A slider, when the appliance is closed, can be moved along the integral closure, thereby separating the mated male and female parts to provide an opening through which the stored contents within the ostomy pouch can be emptied. After the stored contents have been emptied, the slider can reseal the pouch by rejoining the male and female parts. The integral closure is manufactured from material that is different and more rigid than the material used to manufacture the ostomy pouch.

Abstract: A convex adapter for ostomy appliances is disclosed, the adapter including an adapter ring formed entirely of a soft, tacky, moisture-absorbent and swellable, hydrocolloid-containing adhesive material, one that retains its integrity on hydration and is shape-recoverable when compressive forces are removed, and a thin substantially non-stretchable cover film extending over and beyond the convex bodyside surface of that ring. The film is removably attached to the ring and is preferably transparent (or translucent) so that at least the outline of the ring may be seen through it. A flexible but substantially non-stretchable release sheet is removably attached to the opposite pouchside surface of the ring and may be peeled away from the ring during an initial step in the use of the product.

Abstract: A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate.

Abstract: A dressing for use with ostomy devices. The dressing has a dressing layer covered by protective cover layer and a release sheet. The dressing has an adhesive composition on a skin-contacting surface. The dressing layer has a thick center portion surrounded by a flange portion with a hole to accommodate the ostomy device. The thick portion has a thickness of less than 2.0 mm. and preferably a thickness of 0.91 mm. The flange portion has a thickness of 0.15 to 1.80 mm. and extends no more than 5.0 mm. from the edge of the thick portion. The configuration of the dressing layer, particularly when used with a hydrocolloid adhesive provides a dressing having wrinkle resistant edges allowing the dressing to be used in areas of the body having high mobility.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising a body side member, an optionally separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side member, said body side member comprising a ring-shaped body having an adhesive wafer having a hole for accommodating a stoma and further a separate sealing member which, when in use, is placed in the hole for sealing against the stoma, wherein the separate sealing member has a hole for accommodating the stoma and comprises a mouldable mass of a hypo-allergenic, substantially non-memory putty-like adhesive in the form of a disc, wherein the disc has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the hole of the wafer or pad of the ostomy body side member, wherein the disc has a flange member that is supplied with a folding zone that offers a flexible and secure means for sealing between the stoma and the body side member and may be exchanged separately leaving the body side member.

Abstract: A convex adapter for ostomy appliances, including an adapter ring formed entirely of soft, moisture-absorbent, hydrocolloid-containing adhesive material that retains its integrity on hydration and is shape-recoverable, and a thin stretchable cover film (preferably transparent or translucent) removably covering and extending over and beyond the ring's convex bodyside surface. A flexible but substantially non-stretchable release sheet is removably attached to the opposite pouchside surface of the ring and may be peeled away from the ring during an initial step in the use of the product. With the release sheet so removed, a user may grasp adapter ring and its cover film and reform the ring so that its opening is sized and shaped to match a patient's stoma, after which the reformed adapter ring is adhered to the adhesive faceplate of an ostomy appliance, the cover film is removed, and the combination faceplate/adapter is adhesively secured to a patient's peristomal skin surfaces.

Abstract: A convex adapter for ostomy appliances is disclosed, the adapter including an adapter ring formed entirely of a soft, tacky, moisture-absorbent and swellable, hydrocolloid-containing adhesive material, one that retains its integrity on hydration and is shape-recoverable when compressive forces are removed, and a thin substantially non-stretchable cover film extending over and beyond the convex bodyside surface of that ring. The film is removably attached to the ring and is preferably transparent (or translucent) so that at least the outline of the ring may be seen through it. A flexible but substantially non-stretchable release sheet is removably attached to the opposite pouchside surface of the ring and may be peeled away from the ring during an initial step in the use of the product.

Abstract: A mouldable mass of a hypoallergenic, substantially non-memory putty-like adhesive for use in connection with an ostomy appliance, said mass comprising: a) 1 to 20% by weight of a block copolymer having a major content of di-block copolymer, b) to 5 to 60% by weight of a tackifying liquid constituent, and c) 1 to 10% by weight of a waxy constituent has superior quality with respect to cohesion, gives the mass resistance against erosion and at the same time enables the removal of the mass as an integrated unit without leaving residues at the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, said wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and an optionally separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy, said ostomy appliance further comprising a separate sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma, said sealing member being of a hypo-allergenic adhesive and being in the form of a mouldable mass or a ring.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance and a mounting disc include an ostomy pouch having a stoma receiving portal. The mounting disc is sealed about the portal and includes a flexible plastic disc having a convex central body portion and a surrounding annular rim. A first foam disc having an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the rim is adhesively adhered to the plastic disc. A second foam disc is adhered to an adhesive face of the first foam disc and has an outer diameter greater than the plastic disc. A hydrocolloid skin shield disc having an outer diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the second foam disc is adhesively adhered to an adhesive face of the second disc.

Abstract: A pad for use with a continent ostomy port includes a body portion having an internal wall defining an aperture appropriately sized to place around a stoma, the body portion of the pad being sized and shaped for placement against a user's skin beneath a face plate of an ostomy port. The pad is formed of a soft, flexible material to thereby cushion and protect the skin from contact with the ostomy port face plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, said wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and an optionally separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy, said ostomy appliance further comprising a sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma wherein the sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma, said sealing member having a hole for accommodating the stoma and said sealing member having balanced plastic and elastic properties allowing an adaptation of the hole of the ostomy appliance to a stoma by a temporary enlarging the hole by everting or rolling up the inner rim of the hole for accommodating the stoma.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a body side member comprising an adhesive wafer or pad for securing the appliance to the user's skin, the wafer or pad having a hole for receiving a stoma, and a separately exchangeable receiving member or bag secured to the body side ostomy member for receiving secretions from the ostomy, the ostomy appliance further comprising a separate sealing member disposed in the hole of the wafer or pad surrounding the stoma wherein the separately exchangeable receiving member or bag is secured releasably to the body side ostomy member by a mechanical fastening means.

Abstract: An ostomy faceplate for a two-piece appliance is disclosed in which the coupling ring is partially recessed into the wafer of the faceplate. The wafer includes a hydrocolloid-containing adhesive layer that is provided with a recess that receives a portion of the coupling ring, thereby resulting in a faceplate of distinctively low profile and enhanced conformability.

Abstract: An alkali-disposable ostomy bag has a pouch with flange for attachment to the patient. The flange is formed from two discs one of which is relatively thin and alkali disposable and is permanently attached to the pouch. The other disc is thicker, with a hydrocolloid surface, and is attached with the disc on the pouch by a peel-off adhesive. After use, the bag is removed from the patient and the thicker disc is peeled off the thinner disc so that it can be disposed of. The adhesive remains on the thinner disc so that the pouch can be sealed and disposed of by adding an alkali to a wc pan.

Abstract: This disposable device for securing an ostomy bag to a stoma created in a patient, of the type comprising means for joining the ostomy bag to an adhesive seal (5) which is applied on the patient via a contact face, a through-passage (8) communicating with the stoma being formed in the adhesive seal (5), of which the contact face on the patient is at least partially covered by an adhesive composition, is characterized in that the adhesive seal (5) additionally comprises means (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) for detecting wetness of the adhesive composition and means for triggering an alarm when a predetermined level of wetness is reached in the adhesive composition.

Abstract: A faceplate for an ostomy appliance is disclosed in which a unitary release sheet covers both the bodyside (rear) surface of an adhesive skin barrier layer and the surrounding adhesive surface of an outwardly-projecting porous covering layer. The barrier layer is beveled to a feathered outer edge and the release sheet contacts the adhesive surface of the covering layer immediately adjacent the outer edge of said barrier layer. A continuous in-line method for making such faceplates is disclosed.

Abstract: A two part, polymerizable, skin sealant or shield which cures in situ to form a custom made, solid, shaped, skin friendly barrier which absorbs aqueous fluids without disintegrating.

Abstract: A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric comprises a web of bonded thermoplastic filaments of a thermoplastic elastomer. The spunbonded fabrics of the invention are prepared in a slot draw spunbonding process operated at a rate of less than about 2000 meters per minute. The elastic fabric is used in absorbent products, such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, and as coverstock for absorbent personal care products.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer for an ostomy pouch, and the combination of such a wafer and pouch, in which the adhesive layer of the wafer is composed of a hydrocolloid-containing skin barrier material and is contoured to provide a relatively thick body portion surrounded by a relatively thin peripheral portion, are disclosed. The wafer has a stoma-receiving opening, and the adhesive layer is of developed shape so that most, if not all, of the relatively thick body portion is located immediately below and to the sides of the stoma-receiving opening. The relatively thin peripheral portion of the adhesive layer is preferably embossed to provide a pattern of discrete, non-connecting depressions separated and isolated from each other by flat-top ridges dimensioned and arranged so that a skin surface engaged by said embossed surface primarily contacts only such ridges.

Abstract: An ostomy collecting system has a collecting bag having an inlet opening in a bag wall and surrounding connecting elements for connection with a stoma, and a carrier device for the collecting bag. Which is a base plate and a substantially annular first flange connected to the base plate via a first connecting section. The connecting elements comprise a substantially annular second flange, fixedly connected to the collecting bag via a substantially annular second connecting section. The two flanges are connected with the base plate and the collecting bag, respectively, in such a manner that the outer radius of said second connecting section exceeds the outer radius of said first connecting section by a value which at least equals the total thickness of the two flanges.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer for an ostomy pouch, and the combination of such a wafer and pouch, in which the adhesive layer of the wafer is composed of a hydrocolloid-containing skin barrier material and is contoured to provide a relatively thick body portion surrounded by a relatively thin peripheral portion, are disclosed. The wafer has a stoma-receiving opening, and the adhesive layer is of developed shape so that most, if not all, of the relatively thick body portion is located immediately below and to the sides of the stoma-receiving opening. The relatively thin peripheral portion of the adhesive layer is preferably embossed to provide a pattern of discrete, non-connecting depressions separated and isolated from each other by flat-top ridges dimensioned and arranged so that a skin surface engaged by said embossed surface primarily contacts only such ridges.

Abstract: The skin plate product according to the invention is an adhesive, flat skin plate product for use as a semi-manufacture in the production of dressings, skin and wound care devices, fastening means for dressings, ostomy equipment, wound drains and catheters for incontinence equipment, in particular for men, and for use in electrodes for application to the skin, the said skin plate product having an area being delimited by the periphery of the product, and a first surface and a second surface consisting of two or more essentially non-mixed material units (1, 1', 2, 2', 2a, 2b, 2c, 4, 11, 12, 21, 21', 22, 22', 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43), at least two material units being of different material, of which at least one material unit is a skin friendly self-adhesive material, and where a first material unit (1, 1', 11, 21, 21', 31, 41) extends throughout the area of the entire product, this material unit further constituting at least a portion of the first surface (6, 26, 26', 36, 46) and the second surface (5, 25, 25',

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is provided in which a thermoplastic convex pressure ring also functions as a belt-attachment ring. The pressure ring is directly and sealingly secured on its convex side to an adhesive faceplate and is also directly and sealingly secured on its opposite side to a collection pouch. Only two annular attachment zones, either in the form of heat seals or adhesive seals, are required to secure the pouch, pressure ring and faceplate together.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer is disclosed having a thin barrier layer of soft, pliant adhesive material with particles of one or more hydrocolloids dispersed therein. A flexible and preferably stretchable cover layer extends along one side of the barrier layer and a removable release sheet protects the opposite side of the barrier layer. The wafer has a central zone and a relatively large outer zone surrounding that central zone, with the material of the barrier layer in the outer zone having generally uniform molecular orientations in radial directions over an arc of 360 degrees and being of relatively uniform tensile strength in all such radial directions. Also disclosed are injection/compression molding methods for making such wafers.

Abstract: An adhesive composition, and the surgical dressing of which it is a part, in which the composition takes the form of a water-absorbing and water-swellable hydrocolloid material distributed throughout the interstices of a three-dimensional, open-mesh, randomly-oriented network of flexible, water-insoluble, polymeric filaments, such filaments being surface coated by a tacky, water-insoluble adhesive material that has an adherence affinity for the filaments and that secures such coated filaments together at their points or zones of contact. When hydrated, the hydrocolloid material swells and become a gelatinous continuous phase, with the network of filaments expanding to retain the hydrated hydrocolloid material within the dressing. Despite the phase change, the water-insoluble adhesive material is also retained within the dressing because of its strong adherence to the filaments of the network.

Abstract: The hydrocolloid disk includes a polyethylene/PVDC film backing. The disk adheres to the acrylic adhesive layer of the collar over a large portion of the surface area of the disk. The collar is formed of a EVA/polyethylene perforated film on a polyethylene non-woven. In the one piece embodiment, the collar is secured directly to the pouch. In the two piece embodiment, the collar is secured directly to the coupling ring. Increased strength, better odor protection and improved breathability are achieved.

Abstract: A wound dressing for promoting moist wound healing comprising a backing sheet coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an absorbent pad adhered to the adhesive, and a net extending across the pad and adhered to the adhesive. The perimeter of the pad is completely surrounded by a portion of the adhesive. The backing sheet comprises a strip of stretchable, liquid-permeable, non-woven fabric and a semi-occlusive film. The fabric strip is preferably disposed on an interior side of the film and carries the adhesive. The film defines an external face of the dressing and covers the entire surface area of the fabric strip.

Abstract: A radiology kit for use with a catheter includes a first connection member 20 for attachment to the skin of the patient around the stomal orifice and a second connection member 30 (a cap) constructed for releasable attachment to a first connection means, i.e. a rib 23, on the first connection member. The cap has an end wall 33 with a hole 39 therein through which a catheter 40 can be threaded. A third connection member 50 of the kit is attached to a drainage sleeve 52 and constructed for releasable attachment to a second connection means, i.e. a rib 25 on the first connection member 20.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance of one-piece or two-piece construction having an adhesive faceplate with a stoma-receiving opening for peristomal adhesive attachment of the appliance to a wearer. The faceplate includes a flexible patch which may be formed of non-woven material and is covered on one side with a first layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material--particularly a skinfriendly, tacky, hydrocolloid-containing, moisture-absorbing skin barrier material--surrounding the stoma-receiving opening, and a second layer of a soft, easily-deformable, and extrudable fluid-resistant sealant material also surrounding that opening. Inward displacement of the sealant material following adhesive attachment of the faceplate to a patient results in the formation in situ of a fluid-resistant gasket that prevents stomal fluids from contacting the peristomal skin surfaces and the first layer of skinfriendly adhesive and possibly dissolving that layer and/or disrupting its attachment to the skin.

Abstract: An adhesive hydrogel product includes a mixture comprising water, and a thermoplastic, water-soluble polymer extruded in a dry state. The thermoplastic, water-soluble polymer constitutes the principal water-soluble polymer of the mixture and is present in the mixture in a concentration, by weight, of at least 15 percent. The mixture having been exposed to a dose of radiant energy effective to provide an adhesive hydrophilic gel having a gel breaking strength of at least 10 p.s.i., and an absorption capacity per mil of thickness of the gel in excess of 10% by weight, and more preferably in excess of 30% by weight.

Abstract: A dressing comprising a backing and an adhesive layer, wherein the backing is moisture-permeable and the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive composition comprising a rubber-based adhesive, a polymer having a water-absorbing property and/or a water-swelling property, and a metal oxide and/or a metal salt, the polymer having the water-absorbing property and/or the water-swelling property being a polymer containing a functional group having an ability to form a salt and/or coordination compound.

Abstract: A bandage including a superabsorbent pad covered by a porous cover pad placed on a thin, flexible hydrocolloid adhesive layer leaving a portion of the adhesive layer around the pads as an adhesive border is disclosed. One side of the adhesive layer is laminated to a polymeric backing or non-woven fabric layer and a protective cover layer is applied over the pads and border portion. The protective cover layer may be silicone coated release paper and the bandage may be subjected to a vacuum thus forming the adhesive layer to the pads resulting in the border portion being substantially coplanar with the exposed surface of the cover pad overlaying the superabsorbent pad.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive article is disclosed for treating a wound or attaching a device or article to the skin. The article comprises a film of presure sensitive adhesive having dispersed therein a discontinuous gaseous phase contained within voids in the adhesive. The adhesive is formed from the polymerization of a hydrophilic premix and exhibits high moisture vapor transmission and fluid absorbency.

Abstract: A two-piece ostomy appliance in the form of a collection pouch and an adhesive faceplate respectively equipped with coupling rings for latching the two parts together. The coupling rings are relatively large and the pouch coupling ring has attached thereto a peristomal barrier ring of soft, deformable, skin-contacting sealant material extending radially inwardly from the pouch coupling ring and defining a stoma-receiving opening.

Abstract: A method for making individual contoured wound dressings comprising: providing a supply of a thin release web (40); and protective release covering (32); removably attaching and contouring a substantially continuous strip of an adhesive material (26) between said thin release web (40) and protective release covering (32) forming a first laminate (46); transporting said first laminate (46) to a delaminating station (54) where-at said thin release web (40) is peeled from said first laminate (46); supplying an adhesive carrier (28); merging and laminating said adhesive carrier (28) to the exposed adhesive layer forming a second laminate (64); and transporting said second laminate (64) to and through a cutting Station (68) to be cut into individual wound dressings or bandages.

Abstract: Occlusive attaching means comprising a first relatively thick adhesive component to be secured to the skin around the stoma and a relatively thin flexible second adhesive component to be secured to the skin at a distance from the stoma. Both adhesive components include an occlusive adhesive layer formulated as a blend containing one or more water soluble or swellable hydrocolloids dispersed in polyisobutylene along with other optional ingredients. The attaching means can be utilized as part of a one or two-piece ostomy system.

Abstract: A dressing comprising a flexible backing member and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The adhesive layer comprises one or more polyisobutylenes, elastomers, and one or more moisture absorbing, moisture transmitting, water soluble and/or water swellable agents. A dispersion of the active ingredient in a medium compatible with the adhesive layer is laminated to the skin contacting surface.

Abstract: An adhesive, flat skin barrier product for use as semi-manufacture in the production of, a.o., dressings, wound-care devices, electrodes and fastening means for ostomy equipment and catheters, consists of alternating zones of material of at least two different kinds (26,28,30) at least one of which is a skinfriendly self-adhesive material. The zones are parallel and extend in a direction usually at right angles to the main surfaces of the product. The zones may for instance be parallel strips, co-axial rings, co-wound Archimedean spirals or short strands.The skin barrier product offers the advantage that in a simple way it may be produced to comprise, besides the sealing material itself, other components for special purposes, e.g. having contents of antiseptics, medicaments or others biologically active substances of liquid-transporting or electrically conductive structures.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating a wound or attaching a device or article to the skin using a film of pressure sensitive adhesive having dispersed therein a discontinuous gaseous phase contained within voids in the adhesive. The adhesive is formed from the polymerization of a hydrophilic premix and exhibits high moisture vapor transmission and fluid absorbency.

Abstract: As ostomy appliance having a collection pouch and a flexible faceplate, the faceplate including an outer ring of thin, microporous sheet material and an inner ring of flexible, thermoplastic film impervious to gases and body fluids. The outer microporous ring surrounds the inner ring so that their adjacent margins overlap and are sealed to each other. The faceplate also includes a barrier ring secured to the inner marginal portion of the microporous ring on the side opposite from the attachment of the impervious inner ring. A fluid-impervious annular seal is provided between the impervious inner ring and the barrier ring at a location radially inwardly from the microporous ring, thereby securing the parts together and isolating the inner margin of the microporous ring from contact by stomal fluids.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of an absorbent composition intended particularly to the absorption of physiological liquids such as urine, secretions from wounds, blood, etc. The method comprises the preparation of a concentrated solution of mono- and/or disaccharide in water, particularly saccharose. To said solution there is admixed a predetermined amount of superabsorbent up to obtaining a homogenous paste which is dried to an extent such that the water content is brought down to a value comprised between 2 and 15%. It is possible to introduce with the superabsorbent a portion of the oligosaccharide in the form of powder. The resultant mixture comprises less than 50% of superabsorbent and preferably between 1 and 30% in the case of a dressing.

Abstract: A dressing comprising a dressing containing a water-soluble or water-swellable hydrocolloid, a water-insoluble, viscous, elastomeric binder and optionally also a tackifier resin, is bevelled along all outer edges and optionally also, if annular, along the inner edge.

Abstract: A medical bandage is disclosed comprising a reservoir containing a gelled fluid, rheological agent and a drug. A method of using the bandage for producing a beneficial effect is disclosed also.

Abstract: An essentially leak proof urine collection device to be worn by a female which can be easily and comfortably positioned. The device is basically a receptacle, essentially semi-ovoid in shape, having an ovoid-shaped opening defined by a rim portion to which is attached an encapsulated deformable polymer gel ring which, when in use, substantially conforms itself to the contours of the vulvar tissue contacted by the gel, thus forming an essentially leak proof seal.

Abstract: An incontinence device for females is intended for long term wear. It includes a tubular sheath integral with a funnel and a urine-conducting pipe. The sheath is secured to a pad of adhesive material having a central hole leading into the interior of the sheath. The pad is dimensioned so that it can be stuck to the skin of the wearer in the region immediately surrounding the urethral orifice (meatus).

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which has sealant and preferably also adhesive properties and which is suitable for use as a protective dressing for application to the skin. The composition comprises a chemically cross-linked hydrophilic polymer and a support matrix such as a high molecular weight hydrophobic polymer. The hydrophilic polymer is a water-swellable polymer which absorbs or adsorbs water but which is water-insoluble. The composition preferably includes a tackifyer which may be provided by a low molecular weight fraction of a hydrophobic matrix or by a distinct adhesive component such as a gum or a low molecular weight polymer. The composition is particularly suitable for use as a sealing ring in conjunction with a post-surgical drainage appliance wherein the hydrophilic polymer is incorporated in a form such as to provide a transmission system for liquid.