Hydrocolloid dressing is an advanced wound care product designed to promote wound recovery and provide a painless healing experience. It contains gel-forming agents such as sodium carboxy-methylcellulose (NaCMC), pectin, polymers, gelatin, etc, which swell up on coming into contact with exudate. The dressing is absorbent, usually waterproof and adheres not to the wound but to the surrounding skin.
Features of hydrocolloid dressings
Hydrocolloid wound dressings provide a highly-effective moist environment which is ideal for healing. Gel-forming agents are mixed with adhesives plus elastomers and then applied to a polyurethane foam or film. The gel-forming agents form a gel on coming into contact with the exudate. The viscosity of the gel will depend on the gel-forming agents contained within. Some may form a thick gel while others may lead to a watery one. The moist environment provided by the hydrocolloid is conducive to quick recovery of the wound. Generally, the dressing is impermeable to moisture but once the gel forms, the dressing becomes absorbent thus pulling in more and more exudate. The moist core of FlexiCol hydrocolloid wound dressing allows for higher and quicker fluid uptake so there is very little residue remaining behind on the wound.
When to use hydrocolloid dressings
Hydrocolloid dressings can be used on many wound types but they are most effective on:
Hydrocolloid wound dressings may also be used for the following wound types:
Different types of hydrocolloid dressings
Hydrocolloid dressings are available as absorbent hydrocolloid dressings, transparent hydrocolloid dressings, hydrocolloid non-adherent dressings, anti-microbial hydrocolloid dressings, hydrocolloid alginate dressings, adherent hydrocolloid dressings, burn hydrocolloid dressings, foam hydrocolloid dressings and hydrocolloid island dressings.
Hydrocolloid dressing brands which are highly effective include 3M Tegaderm, DuoDerm dressings, Comfeel, RepliCare, Nu-Derm, Exuderm and Cutimed. The Medline Exuderm LP has a dressing change frequency of maximum seven days and depends on the amount of drainage. It can be used for primary, secondary, shallow and moderate wounds. The 3M Tegaderm hydrocolloid dressing is thin and provides a viral barrier while staying intact without leakage. It is available in oval and square and multiple sizes.
When not to use hydrocolloid dressings
Hydrocolloid bandages are not recommended on wounds with heavy exudates, infected wounds and sinus tracts. The dressings may get dislodged if used on highly-exuding wound.
Contraindications
Hydrocolloid dressings may cause hyper-granulation and allow the skin around the wound site to macerate. The dressing may stick to the wound leading to unpleasant smelling residue on removal. It may roll or curl up at the edges. To prevent this, the Hollister Restore Plus dressing has a tapered edge which minimizes edge roll thus extending wear time and lowering treatment cost. The Derma PrimaCol hydrocolloid wound dressing, too, is bordered and with tapered edges designed to minimize bunching and rolling up, proving to be cost effective.
