Hydrocolloid Dressings Guide: All You Need To Know | HPFY

Hydrocolloid Dressings All You Need To Know About Hydrocolloid Dressings Anushree Kothari Article published Jan 27, 2018 Article updated Sep 30, 2024

Hydrocolloids are known to have a unique design with an adhesive compound containing gel-forming agents like gelatin or sodium carboxymethylcellulose. This adhesive is laminated on a film or foam made from polyurethane, making the dressing absorbent, flexible, waterproof, and self-adherent.

Hydrocolloid wound dressings provide insulation and a moist wound environment conducive to healing. In addition, they use the moisture and enzymes of the body to hydrate the wound bed for faster healing.

What is hydrocolloid?

Hydrocolloids are a type of wound dressing containing pectin, gelatin, and carboxymethylcellulose. When the hydrocolloid bandage is applied to the wound bed, the hydrophilic particles absorb the wound drainage and swell up. The swollen particles then liquefy and convert into a gel, enhancing the autolytic debridement. Subsequently, hydrocolloid dressings are impermeable to oxygen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide.

They are available in paste, gel, or sheet form and may be used as a primary or a secondary dressing. The gel or paste dressing needs a secondary dressing for proper security. When used as a secondary dressing, the wound surface should be in contact with alginate or gelling cellulose fiber.

Hydrocolloid dressing benefits

• Absorbs wound exudate.
• Offers pain-free application.
• Does not adhere to the wound bed.
• Impermeable to bacterial contaminants.
• Flexible and waterproof to let you shower with it.
• Maintains a moist wound environment for quicker healing and tissue growth.

When to use hydrocolloid dressing?

Hydrocolloid bandages are best suitable for treating non-infected and minimal exudate wounds, such as minor burns or pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores. Since these are flexible, difficult areas, such as elbows, heels, or knees can be dressed with hydrocolloids. 

Some of the conditions that warrant the use of hydrocolloidal dressings are -

• Acne
• Leg ulcers
• Open blisters
• Surgical incisions
• Granular and necrotic wounds
• Partial or full-thickness wounds
• Low to moderate drainage wounds

Contraindications

Hydrocolloid bandages should not be used on  - 

• Dry wounds
• Wounds having exposed tendon or bone
• Wounds with heavy exudate
• Infected wounds
• Wounds with the fragile peri-wound skin
• Deep narrow sinus tracts
• Tunneling wounds

When to stop using hydrocolloid dressing?

Hydrocolloid dressings are highly effective in managing wounds, particularly for treating pressure ulcers, burns, and other injuries that exude moderate amounts of fluid. However, knowing when to stop using hydrocolloid dressings is critical for proper wound care. These dressings should be discontinued when the wound has progressed to a stage where moisture retention is no longer necessary, typically when the wound shows signs of healing, such as the development of healthy granulation tissue and a reduction in exudate levels. If the wound becomes infected or displays excessive redness, swelling, or an unusual odor, the hydrocolloid dressing should be removed immediately and a healthcare professional consulted, as infection may require a different type of dressing or treatment.

Best Seller Hydrocolloid Wound Dressings

HPFY offers an extensive collection of hydrocolloid dressings that include gel, paste, or sheet and aretransparent, absorbent, anti-microbial, adherent, or non-adherent.

Medihoney Wound Filler Paste

 

DuoDERM CGF Sterile Dressing

 

How to apply this dressing?

• Wash your hands properly. 
• Cleanse the wound with a saline solution.
• Use a sterile gauze to pat dry the peri-wound skin.
• Measure the dressing to leave an inch margin to cover the wound.
• Remove the paper liner and apply it to the center of the wound. 
• Smooth out the edges.
• Avoid overstretching or applying too much tension. Putting too much stress on it can cause trauma to the skin.
• Hold the dressing in place after applying.
• If your dressing does not have borders, use medical tape, undercast padding, netting, or retention bandage to secure it.

How to remove hydrocolloid bandage?

• Gently press down the skin near one edge of the dressing.
• Keep lifting off other edges until the adhesive detaches from the skin.
• Peel it off carefully from the wound in the direction of hair growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When to change hydrocolloid bandage?

   Hydrocolloid bandages last up to three to seven days. Change the dressing if it starts to peel off from the edges. Since hydrocolloids keep the wound moist and protected, they need not be changed daily. 

2. How long can you leave a hydrocolloid bandage on?

   The bandage can be kept on blisters for 3-5 days. However, because they are waterproof, they must be removed for showering. 

3. Can you shower with it?

   Yes, many wound dressings, such as the Tegaderm Hydrocolloid Dressings, are impervious to bacteria and usually waterproof, meaning that patients can shower and even swim normally without concern. Moreover, different types of hydrocolloid dressings are proven to lower the infection risk drastically.

4. Can you use a hydrocolloid bandage for acne?

   A hydrocolloid patch is safe to use on acne, scab, or pimple. The moist environment of the hydrocolloid coating does not let it be dry, irritated, or itchy. Since hydrocolloid patches do not let you touch the wound constantly, they help in quicker healing.

5. Can you use a hydrocolloid bandage for cold sore?

   Yes. A cold sore or fever blister is a red, weepy sore that pops up and may feel uncomfortable. Hydrocolloid patches are effective in keeping the cold sore hidden and treating the lesion. It is occlusive, absorbent, and transparent, which makes it an ideal and viable option for treating cold sores.  

Best Hydrocolloid Bandages

Hollister Restore Hydrocolloid Dressing

Medline Exuderm Satin Square Hydrocolloid Dressing

3M Tegaderm Hydrocolloid Dressing

Where can I buy hydrocolloid wound dressing?

We have established that hydrocolloids have many different advantages attached to them, so now it is time to answer the question of where you can buy hydrocolloid bandages, patches, and more. Health Products For You offers a wide product range from top-selling hydrocolloid dressing brands like DuoDERM, Comfeel, Exuderm, Restore, etc.

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Author Profile: Anushree Kothari

Anushree Kothari, a family caregiver and a true empath, has been a devoted contributor to Health Products For You since 2016. Her journey as a medical writer for HPFY is a result of her remarkable passion for guiding others through life's profound events and transitions. Her experience as a caregiver for loved ones with Neurofibromatosis (NF2) has been a driving force for her passion for wellness and creating content that resonates with those navigating through the complexities of caregiving. She continues to leverage her caregiving experience to nurture health and provide guidance to those seeking a path to a healthier, more fulfilling life and keeps on creating content that matters.

 

Reviewed by: Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse on April 19, 2023

Christine Kijek is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has completed courses for wound and ostomy specialty and has 20 years of experience. She has been a Health Products For You contributor since February 2021. A colorectal nurse at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT, she has a wealth of knowledge in the field of ostomy and wound care. An ostomate herself, she has first-hand knowledge about living with an ostomy. Christine hosts HPFY’s monthly ostomy support group and our monthly Ostomy Webinar. Christine enjoys riding motorcycles and gardening. She can often be found onboard a Carnival Cruise ship lounging by the pool with her husband Ed.

 

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