![]() | This article's "Technology" section contains content that is written like an advertisement .(April 2021) |
Owner | HRA Pharma (2017) |
---|---|
Country | Denmark |
Introduced | 1986 |
Markets | World |
Previous owners | Coloplast |
Website | www |
Compeed (contraction of "Competition" and "Seed") is a brand of hydrocolloid gel plasters for treating blisters, [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] corns, [11] [12] cracked heels [13] and cold sores. [14] [15] [16] [17] It was originally developed by Lars Backsell while working in Denmark for Coloplast A/S. [18] [19] The brand was sold to Johnson & Johnson in May 2002, [20] then acquired by HRA Pharma in 2017. Compeed plasters are still manufactured by Coloplast. [21]
The product originally was designed for treating ostomy patients. [22]
1984 - Lars Backsell, while working as a General Manager at Coloplast, identified an untapped niche in the plaster market for band aids that help relieve blisters from certain sports. [18] Lars conducted a clinical trial with the Swedish army to test a prototype that was used to develop a skin barrier for bandaging purposes based on hydrocolloid technology. [23] The initial product used an ostomy sheet and sold as a blister protective bandage through pharmacies to consumers. [24]
1986 - Compeed was first sold in Sweden before being registered in the USA in the category of antiseptic cleaning tissues as a trademark under serial number 73589785. [25]
1988 - Compeed got FDA approval. [26]
2002 - "Compeed X-TREME Flex" plaster by Jan Marcussen included into MoMA design collection. [27]
2002 - The brand sold to Johnson & Johnson in May 2002 [20]
2004 - "Compeed X-TREME Flex" plaster wins Danish Design Award. [28] [29]
2007 - Compeed was awarded Nicholas Hall's New Product of the Year. [18]
The hydrocolloidal plaster contains croscarmellose sodium (an internally cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, [30] water-soluble polymer), and tackifier resins. [31] The top level of the plaster is made of elastomer (that ensures that the plaster stays on skin even while moving) and polyurethane film. [32]
When applied to the blister, it starts to absorb body liquids turning into a soft mass that cushions the blister. It seals the blister forming so-called "second skin". The plaster doesn't heal the wound. It prevents the blister from developing and helps new skin to grow underneath the plaster.
The cushioned zone created by the plaster relieves pain and protects the wound from rubbing. The plaster repels water, and stops dirt and germs from entering the wound, thus preventing infection.
At first, the plaster absorbs all the moisture from the blister but over time it becomes more permeable so the wound dries out. [30] Unlike ordinary dressings, the hydrocolloidal plaster stays on the wound for several days and it stays on even in the shower.
The corn removing plaster works in a similar way. Only that it absorbs the moisture resulting from salicylic acid acting on the corn (dissolving it).
Compeed conducts consumer insight research.
2012 research indicated that 58 percent of women take off their shoes during a night out because of the pain. [33] It also showed that the average heel worn by British women is 3.3 inches, the highest heels across Europe. [34]
Compeed endorsers include tennis players Roger Federer [35] and Caroline Wozniacki [36] [37] [38] as well as British actress Victoria Shalet.
Salicylic acid is an organic compound with the formula HOC6H4COOH. A colorless (or, white), bitter-tasting solid, it is a precursor to and a metabolite of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). It is a plant hormone, and has been listed by the EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory as an experimental teratogen. The name is from Latin salix for willow tree, from which it was initially identified and derived. It is an ingredient in some anti-acne products. Salts and esters of salicylic acid are known as salicylates.
Impetigo is a bacterial infection that involves the superficial skin. The most common presentation is yellowish crusts on the face, arms, or legs. Less commonly there may be large blisters which affect the groin or armpits. The lesions may be painful or itchy. Fever is uncommon.
A first aid kit or medical kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to give immediate medical treatment, primarily to treat injuries and other mild or moderate medical conditions. There is a wide variation in the contents of first aid kits based on the knowledge and experience of those putting it together, the differing first aid requirements of the area where it may be used, and variations in legislation or regulation in a given area.
A blister is a small pocket of body fluid within the upper layers of the skin, usually caused by forceful rubbing (friction), burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection. Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid, either serum or plasma. However, blisters can be filled with blood or with pus.
A callus is an area of thickened and sometimes hardened skin that forms as a response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Since repeated contact is required, calluses are most often found on the feet and hands, but they may occur anywhere on the skin. Some degree of callus, such as on the bottom of the foot, is normal.
A plantar wart is a wart occurring on the bottom of the foot or toes. Its color is typically similar to that of the skin. Small black dots often occur on the surface. One or more may occur in an area. They may result in pain with pressure such that walking is difficult.
An adhesive bandage, also called a sticking plaster, medical plaster, or simply plaster in British English, is a small medical dressing used for injuries not serious enough to require a full-size bandage. They are also known by the genericized trademarks of Band-Aid or Elastoplast.
Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores, bed sores or pressure injuries, are localised damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue that usually occur over a bony prominence as a result of usually long-term pressure, or pressure in combination with shear or friction. The most common sites are the skin overlying the sacrum, coccyx, heels, and hips, though other sites can be affected, such as the elbows, knees, ankles, back of shoulders, or the back of the cranium.
Diseases of the foot generally are not limited, that is they are related to or manifest elsewhere in the body. However, the foot is often the first place some of these diseases or a sign or symptom of others appear. This is because of the foot's distance from the central circulation, the heart and its constant exposure to pressures from the ground and the weight of the body.
Pemphigus is a rare group of blistering autoimmune diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes. The name is derived from the Greek root pemphix, meaning "blister".
A dressing or compress is piece of material such as a pad applied to a wound to promote healing and protect the wound from further harm. A dressing is designed to be in direct contact with the wound, as distinguished from a bandage, which is most often used to hold a dressing in place. Modern dressings are sterile.
A mustard plaster is a poultice of mustard seed powder spread inside a protective dressing and applied to the body to stimulate healing. It can be used to warm muscle tissues and for chronic aches and pains. It was once part of conventional medical treatment, and available in prepared versions in pharmacies. It fell from favor in the 20th century and is now used only as a home remedy.
Balsam of Peru or Peru balsam, also known and marketed by many other names, is a balsam derived from a tree known as Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae; it is found in El Salvador, where it is an endemic species.
The history of wound care spans from prehistory to modern medicine. Wounds naturally heal by themselves, but hunter-gatherers would have noticed several factors and certain herbal remedies would speed up or assist the process, especially if it was grievous. In ancient history, this was followed by the realisation of the necessity of hygiene and the halting of bleeding, where wound dressing techniques and surgery developed. Eventually the germ theory of disease also assisted in improving wound care.
A hydrocolloid dressing is an opaque or transparent dressing for wounds. A hydrocolloid dressing is biodegradable, breathable, and depending on the dressing selected, may adhere to the skin, so no separate taping is needed.
Savlon is a brand of antibacterial personal care products with the active ingredients of cetrimide and chlorhexidine gluconate. Commonly sold as a cream, the product range also includes antiseptic sprays, sticking plasters and other antiseptic products.
Locust bean gum is a galactomannan vegetable gum extracted from the seeds of the carob tree and used as a thickening agent in food technology.
A cold sore is a type of herpes infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that affects primarily the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. The rash usually heals within ten days, but the virus remains dormant in the trigeminal ganglion. The virus may periodically reactivate to create another outbreak of sores in the mouth or lip.
Immersion foot syndromes are a class of foot injury caused by water absorption in the outer layer of skin. There are different subclass names for this condition based on the temperature of the water to which the foot is exposed. These include trench foot, tropical immersion foot, and warm water immersion foot. In one 3-day military study, it was found that submersion in water allowing for a higher skin temperature resulted in worse skin maceration and pain.
A coma blister, or coma bullae, is a skin lesion or blister that typically arises due to pressure in an individual with impaired consciousness. They vary in size, ranging from 4 to 5 centimeters in diameter, and may appear hemorrhagic or blood filled. Coma blisters are usually found in the extremities and trunk. These types of blisters have been associated with the overdose of central nervous system (CNS) depressants especially barbiturates, but also tricyclic antidepressants, hypnotics, benzodiazepines, opiates, antipsychotics, and alcohol. However, studies have found that coma blisters are not caused by the toxicity of these drugs, but due to hypoxia and external pressure on the comatose individual's skin from being immobilized. Coma blisters have been frequently found on individuals who have overdosed on drugs, but have also been found on individuals with chronic kidney failure, hypercalcemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and a variety of neurologic conditions. Coma blisters are more frequent in adults and less common among children as demonstrated by the few cases published in literature.
Furthermore, using cushioned insoles or a blister protection pad like Blister Guard, Compeed products, Second Skin or using Skin Lube helps ward off friction and reduce blister recurrence.
A hydrocolloid dressing (Compeed) was applied to corns, calluses and heel fissures in 43 symptomatic patients to assess the effects of creating optimum skin hydration levels. Resolution or lesion improvement was recorded by State Registered Chiropodists, along with participants' opinions of pain relief and ease of dressing use. At the end of the study, 57 of corns were reported to be improving, with 21 of these to have cleared; 71 of calluses improved and 14 of these cleared; 87 heel fissures improved and 47 of these healed. All participants noted a marked reduction of pain with use of the dressing which they considered very convenient to use.
Compeed Overnight Cracked Heel Cream, £4.49, from pharmacies, contains urea and lactic acid to slough away any rough skin. Wear clean cotton socks after applying the cream for maximum bedtime effects.
An alternative approach is to use a thin hydrocolloid dressing (Compeed cold sore patch) on the cold sore. In a randomised trial comparing the patches with aciclovir cream 5%, there was no difference in median healing times but participants reported a high level of protection, less noticeable lesions, and greater relief of social embarrassment.
Regarding Compeed, actually Compeed was a product which was invented by Coloplast many years back and which we tried to sell ourselves for many years through an over the counter general. At the end of the day, we realised that was not our business and therefore we sold it off to Johnson & Johnson I think 11 years ago. At that point in time, because we have proprietary technology there, we made an agreement to still keep producing this product. So it is a product where we are sole suppliers for it. They have a lot of other stuff under the Compeed brand but this specific product line, we are the only ones that supply that and, as such, we sort of live and die with this business with them.