What is a Hydrocolloid Dressing?

Hydrocolloid dressings provide a moist and insulating healing environment which protects uninfected wounds while allowing the body's own enzymes to help heal wounds. These dressings are unique because they don't have to be changed as often as some other wound dressings and are easy to apply. Hydrocolloid dressings:

· Contain gel-forming agents inside a wafer of dressing

· Have a waterproof backing, often made of polyurethane

· Are available in a variety of shapes and thicknesses

· Come with or without an adhesive border

· Are made especially for difficult-to-dress wound areas such as elbows and heels

When are Hydrocolloid Dressings Appropriate?

These wound dressings are helpful for use on wounds that are:

· Clean and uninfected

· Free of dirt or other debris

· Dry with little to no drainage

· Medium thickness

Because these dressings are flexible and water-resistant, they also make an excellent protective layer for recently healed wounds, or for partly healed wounds with granulation tissue that needs protection from surface trauma. Furthermore, a hydrocolloid dressing can mold around the wound and provide insulation so that the body doesn't need to use as much energy to heal the wound.

Dressing Change Frequency

Generally, hydrocolloid dressings last from 3 to 7 days. Sometimes a hydrocolloid dressing starts coming up at the edges earlier. If so, it needs to be changed earlier. Because they keep the wound moist and protected, the wound does not need to be cleaned daily. In fact, wounds covered by hydrocolloid dressings will heal faster if they are not regularly exposed to air.

However, because a wound covered with hydrocolloid dressings is not easy to check, it is important to use this type of dressing only on wounds which are completely clean and absent of infection.

Benefits of Hydrocolloid Dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings lasts longer than most types of dressing, so it needs to be applied less frequently. They are easy to apply to the wound and come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different types of wounds. Hydrocolloid dressing can also be used with venous compression. In addition, they can often promote faster healing because they:

· Provide a moist environment which allows body enzymes to help heal

· Are impermeable to bacteria and other contamination

· Do not stick to the wound

· Are flexible to mold around skin and body motions

Using Hydrocolloid Dressings on Patients with Diabetes

Generally, hydrocolloid dressings should be used very cautiously on individuals with diabetes, especially on foot wounds. Only use on diabetic feet if:

· There has been a thorough patient assessment

· The wound is only superficial and there is no sign of infection

· There is low to moderate exudate

· There are no signs of ischemia

· The dressing is changed frequently

Reference to WoundSource Editors