Hydrocolloid dressing (for daily use)

What is a hydrocolloid dressing?

A hydrocolloid dressing contains a gel-forming substance and consists of three layers: a wound contact surface, a polymer matrix, and a backing. Its primary ingredients are sodium carboxymethylcellulose, gelatin, and pectin. Polymers and adhesives are also added to create an absorbent, self-adhesive, and waterproof dressing. It can be transparent or translucent and can be used on various wound sites.

Are hydrocolloid dressings breathable?

Although hydrocolloid dressings are moist dressings, they exhibit excellent breathability. While intact, they are not easily permeable to water vapor. However, as the gelling process begins, the permeability of the dressing increases. Excess moisture can escape through the dressing as water vapor. At the same time, hydrocolloid dressings maintain a favorable moist environment, promoting fibrinolysis, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Because the backing of hydrocolloid dressings is a semi-permeable material (typically a polyurethane film), it effectively prevents the invasion of bacteria and viruses. It also exhibits excellent water resistance, making it easy to adhere to both moist and dry wounds.

Main indications of hydrocolloid dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings are able to absorb exudate and are primarily used for clean, granulating wounds and superficial wounds with low to moderate exudate. Generally used in the mid-to-late stages of wound healing, the granulation and epithelial stages. During these stages, wound exudate decreases, but a moist environment is required to promote granulation and epithelial growth, making them the most suitable for hydrocolloid dressings. Hydrocolloid dressings provide a good seal and can soften necrotic tissue in dry wounds. Also be used to accelerate autolytic tissue debridement. Hydrocolloid dressings are used as a secondary dressing to seal the hydrogel. After a period of time, difficult-to-remove tissue becomes easier to remove. Furthermore, hydrocolloid dressings provide an excellent antibacterial barrier, preventing external contamination of the wound surface. Hydrocolloids have been clinically validated for the prevention and treatment of phlebitis. Hydrocolloid dressings can also be used to secure certain devices, such as catheters.

Frequency of changing hydrocolloid dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings transform into a gel after absorbing exudate, causing local swelling and a white appearance. Therefore, during use, the extent of exudate absorption should be carefully monitored. If the whitening area approaches the edge of the dressing (e.g., 1 cm), the dressing should be changed promptly.

In addition, when removing the hydrocolloid dressing, you should not tear it off forcibly. You should press one side of the dressing with one hand and use the other hand to stretch it toward the opposite side while lifting the dressing and slowly tearing it off.

What are the contraindications of hydrocolloid dressings?

As with other occlusive dressings, the Hydrocolloid dressing should not be used on:

Anaerobic wounds

Full-thickness burns

Ulcers caused by tuberculosis, syphilis, or fungal infections

Deep sinus tracts

Wounds with localized tissue ischemia and potential necrosis

Use with caution on diabetic foot

CAUTION:

For very dry wounds, this dressing can be used in combination with a hydrogel, but should not be used alone.

For actively bleeding wounds, wait until the bleeding has completely stopped before using this dressing.