A hydrocolloid dressing is a kind of wound dressing that provides a moist environment for the wound. It is generally known for rapidly healing wounds with less pain and fewer dressing changes.
Hydrocolloid dressings are composed of gelatine, pectin, and carboxymethylcellulose.
- The inner layer of the dressing is a hydrocolloid adhesive that absorbs the exudate of wound fluid and forms a hydrated gel over the wound. It creates a moist environment that protects the new tissues of the covered area.
- Meanwhile, the outer layer of hydrocolloid dressings is the part that prevents shearing and bacterial contamination. This part can be a film, foam, or both. The whole mechanism allows the wound to heal with the help of the body’s own enzymes.
Unique characteristics
Hydrocolloid dressings are visibly unique because they contain gel-forming agents in a wafer dressing. They have a waterproof backing (often made of polyurethane) and may come with or without an adhesive border. Hydrocolloid dressings are also available in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses made to mould around the wound, making them easy to apply on difficult-to-dress areas such as heels and elbows.
Hydrocolloid dressings are for medium-thick, clean, uninfected wounds with little drainage. Because these dressings are water-resistant, they also are excellent protective layers for partly or recently healed wounds that still need protection.
When to use
Unlike other dressings, hydrocolloid dressings do not have to be changed often. These dressings take up to a week before they wear. Frequent dressing changes can disrupt the wound bed. But because hydrocolloid dressings do not require dressing change as often, it encourages undisrupted healing and may be recommended by your doctor if you want to have the wound heal as quickly as possible. Furthermore, because this type of wound dressing moulds around wounds, they provide insulation to help the body speed up healing.
These dressings are appropriate for medium-thick wounds that are clean (free of dirt and other debris), uninfected, and dry (no drainage).
Because of their water-resistance and flexibility, they can be used as protective layers for newly-healed wounds. They even have use for partly-healed wounds that have formed granulation tissues requiring protection from surface trauma.
About the Company:
Wound-Care is a healthcare firm located in the UK that specializes in the distribution of wound-care products. All of our dressings come from MHRA-approved suppliers in the UK. They ship to hospitals and health clinics all around the world.
