Memorial Day: 10% Off*|Code: HPMW10

Day
:
:
Online since 2002 |   866-316-0162

Articles and News

All You Need To Know About Hydrogel Dressings

All You Need To Know About Hydrogel Dressings
Anushree Kothari

Hydrogel dressings are designed to manage fluid exchange on the surface of the wound. They consists of 90% water suspended in a gel base. The water content in the wound gel dressing provides moisture to the wound and helps in faster wound healing. The tissues of the wound debride, granulate and then heal completely. Hydrogel wound dressings are said to be a perfect source which provides moisture to a dry lesion. Here is a quick guide that will help you know how hydrogel dressing works, what are their types, their features, when should you use them or abstain from using them.

Hydrogel Dressing - Works as a Primary Dressing

Hydrogel dressings usually works as a primary dressing and can also be used to fill in the deeper sections of the wound for faster healing. They needs a secondary dressing to cover them for better securement and prevent them from getting dehydrated, which is often the case when they are not covered properly. Hydrogel dressing are made up of hydrophilic polymers arranged in the three-dimensional networks. The polymers act as absorbents and help in absorbing wound exudate effectively. This wound gel dressing provides moisture to the wound and helps in creating a moist healing environment that cools down the wound and provides pain relief for up to six hours. It protects the wound from infections and promotes efficient healing. It is often painless to remove the hydrogel dressing because its high water content does not let it adhere to the wound surface.

Types of Hydrogel Dressings

Hydrogel dressings are usually available in three different forms described below:

  • Amorphous Hydrogel: It is a free-flowing gel that comes in tubes, bottles and packets. Amorphous gel is viscous and can easily fill up the deep and uneven wounds. It needs to be covered with a secondary dressing to hold the gel in place to promote faster healing.

    Hydrogel Dressings

  • Impregnated Hydrogel: It comprises of a gauze pad, gauze strip, or sponge rope impregnated with the gel compound. Hydrogel impregnated gauze needs to be covered by a secondary dressing to provide protection to the entire wound surface. It can be simply put over the wound surface or packed into a deep wound as per the user requirements.

    Hydrogel Dressings

  • Sheet Hydrogel: It is made by adding gel compound to a thin fiber mesh. The suspended hydrogel overlaps the wound and helps it in healing faster. Sheet hydrogel dressing comes in a variety of sizes and can also be cut to fit the unique shape of the wound.

    Hydrogel Dressings

Features of Hydrogel Wound Dressing

The unique features of hydrogel wound dressings are stated below:

  • Good moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR)
  • Non-adherent property allows for pain-free removal
  • Hydrates the wound bed by adding moisture to it
  • Can be used in combination with topical medications
  • Provides a soothing effect
  • Facilitates autolysis
  • No tissue trauma
  • Needs a secondary dressing
  • Suitable for infected wounds
  • Reduces pain

When is Hydrogel Dressing Used?

You can use hydrogel dressings to treat the following types of wounds:

  • Dry or dehydrated wounds
  • Partial or full-thickness wounds
  • Partial or full-thickness lesions
  • Wounds with dry and minimal exudate
  • Wounds that have granulated tissue development
  • Stage III and IV pressure ulcers
  • Abrasions or severe scrapes
  • Tissue damaged by radiation
  • Painful wounds
  • Minor burns

Contraindications of Hydrogel Wound Dressing

It is important to remember that hydrogel wound dressings should not be used when the wound is in the following conditions:

  • Displays heavy exudate
  • Extremely moist

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY Anushree Kothari

Anushree Kothari

LinkedIn Profile

 

Anushree Kothari, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2016. She has a deep interest in human physiology and wellness and possess a passion and talent for guiding others through ...

Read More

Trending Articles

What Everyone Should Know About Resistance Band Colors

Kevin Cleary

Resistance exercise bands come in a number of colors and it’s not just for decoration. Many people use these bands however, they do not have the knowledge of the colors and the purpose with which they are designed.

5 Facts about Syringes You Wish You Knew Before

Kevin Cleary

A syringe is a pump consisting of a snugly fit piston(or plunger) within a calibrated glass or plastic cylinder called a barrel.The syringe is equipped with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing that helps direct the flow of medication.

TOP 5 BEST REVIEWED NEBULIZERS OF 2022

Kevin Cleary

Breathing disorders, such as COPD or asthma, can be a major detriment when it comes to quality-of-life issues.Treating these breathing ailments with medications is the main course of treatment.Being able to deliver aerosol medication directly into the lungs in an expedited fashion is the best way to manage these lung disorders. The use of a nebulizer for aerosol medications allows for the efficient and easy delivery of these medications.

MINERAL OIL VS SALINE ENEMA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Kevin Cleary

An enema is used for many reasons.Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity.

FIVE BEST CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICES OF 2022

Taikhum Sadiq

Cervical traction is a technique applied to the cervical region of the body to help alleviate neck pain, discomfort, and other physical conditions related to the cervical region.Cervical traction works by stressing the neck, pulling, and pushing, thus reducing the pressure on the spine, the neck, and the upper torso.Excessive stress on the neck, spine, and upper region, due to a wide range of conditions or injuries can cause severe pain and can lead to other complications.Cervical traction devices help alleviates these conditions thus offering overall body rehabilitation and treatment options.