Hydrocolloid Dressings / Hydrocolloid Patches

How Do Hydrocolloid Dressings Work?

Hydrocolloid dressings act as a scab. They protect the wound and prevent healing fluids from leaking out of the wound. The gel layer provides pain relief, and retains the exudate. 

Hydrocolloid dressings are water resistant dressings that contain gel-forming agents (or pectin) inside an adhesive compound which promote healing. The compound is laminated onto the inner side of the dressing, which gently adheres to the skin. Wound exudate is absorbed into the compound - the polymers of the dressing soak up the fluid and expand, converting into a gel. 

Usually opaque, hydrocolloid dressings provide a moist and insulating wound environment. They also provide autolytic debridement, which helps old tissue to soften and then detach from the wound. These flexible self-adhering dressings can be used for both moist and dry wound beds. 

Types of Hydrocolloid Dressings

There are a few types of hydrocolloid dressings: There are some with gelatin, which are ideal for partial thickness wounds. Then there are dressings with foam backings, which feature a little bit of absorption, and are excellent for granular wounds (wounds in the process of forming new tissue). Another popular type of occlusive hydrocolloid dressing is one with a film back layer, which can be used for wounds with small to medium amounts of exudate.

Hydrocolloid Dressings Vs. Hydrocolloid Bandages

In clinical terms, these are referred to as hydrocolloid dressings, but certain hydrocolloid dressings are referred to as hydrocolloid bandages or acne patches by the media or the individual when they’re being used for cosmetic purposes. The term hydrocolloid bandage connotes being used to get rid of acne, pimples, or blisters. The term hydrocolloid dressing implies being used by a medical professional to treat a wound. Hydrocolloids are used for both purposes, but we recommend speaking to a medical professional or doing your own research before choosing a speciifc hydrocolloid bandage for acne.

Hydrocolloid Dressing Uses

A hydrocolloid dressing is most ideal for non-infected wounds with not a lot of discharge. It can be used as a primary or as a secondary dressing. A hydrocolloid gel bandage can be used to treat leg ulcers, pressure injuries, surgical incisions, and many other types of wounds. This kind of dressing should only be used on a wound that is infected, clean, and free of debris. The wound area should have low or moderate amounts of exudate, and should be a partial or full thickness wound. Here are a few uses for hydrocolloid dressings: 

• Pressure ulcers
• Blisters
• Warts
• Small partial thickness burns
• Abscesses
• Surgical incisions
• Open wounds
• Necrotic wounds
• Venous insufficiency ulcers

Benefits of Hydrocolloid Dressings

There are several benefits thin hydrocolloid dressings have to offer.

• These dressings are easy to apply, and don’t adhere to the wound itself (rather, only to the skin around it).
• They can be used under certain compression bandages (for instance when someone has a venous ulcer).
• Hydrocolloid dressings are usually impermeable to bacteria, which means less risk of infection.
• They don’t need to be changed as often as other types of dressings, so they are therefore more cost-efficient.
• Less changings also allow for a quicker healing span and less wound trauma as well as less anxiety.
• Hydrocolloid dressings contour to the shape of the skin, and therefore provide the wound with a most effective and protective dressing. They are therefore an excellent option for joint areas.
• These dressings absorb wound exudate at a quick pace.
• The moist wound environment offered by this dressing helps new tissue to develop.
• These dressings are known to cause less pain, and allow for more rapid healing.

Disadvantages of Hydrocolloid Dressings

There are a few disadvantages hydrocolloid dressings have that should be mentioned. Firstly, residue from the dressing can cling to the wound even after the dressing itself is removed, and result in an unpleasant odor. Also, using a hydrocolloid dressing can lead to hypergranulation and can sometimes cause skin maceration. Another issue that sometimes presents itself when using a hydrocolloid dressing is that the dressing can curl up at the edges. Hydrocolloid dressings may cause anaerobic bacteria to grow. Although there are a few disadvantages to these dressings, the benefits definitely outweigh them! 

How Often to Change Your Hydrocolloid Dressing

Hydrocolloid dressings can usually last between 3 and 7 days. The amount of wound exudate is usually what spells about how long the hydrocolloid dressing will last, along with manufacturer instructions, of course. If a dressing is beginning to tear or show signs of wear around the edges before this time frame, it should still be changed. Also, if the bandage is leaking or if it is nearly full with exudate, it should be changed. 

Hydrocolloid Bandage Contraindications

There are some instances where using a hydrocolloid bandage is not recommended. These circumstances include utilization for dry, infected, and tunneling wounds. Burns, wounds with heavy exudation or with exposed bones or tendons, and sinus tracts are some other such situations where a doctor should be consulted before applying the hydrocolloid bandage. A diabetic or an immunocompromised patient should not use hydrocolloid dressings unless specifically told to do so by an experienced doctor.

Whether you’re looking for a hydrocolloid sacral dressing, a silver hydrocolloid dressing, or even a standard hydrocolloid adhesive dressing, we have what you need. Find the best hydrocolloid bandages and adhesive pads from the most trusted hydrocolloid dressing brands on AvaCare Medical now! Hydrocolloid dressings are effective and practical, and are often recommended by doctors. Speak to a medical professional to find out if a hydrocolloid dressing is the right choice for you, and if it is, give us a call at 1.877.813.7799 and an experienced medical product specialist will assist you in choosing the best hydrocolloid dressings for your needs.