Wound Care: What are Hydrocolloid Dressings?

Proper wound care is essential for healing from skin trauma. The industry is rife with various wound care products, manufactured using varying materials and tools. Hydrocolloid dressings, such as Convatec DuoDerm and others, are one such type of dressing.

Hydrocolloid dressings (like Convatec DuoDerm) contain gel-forming agents. These kind of are most often comprised of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, an ingredient which soaks up liquid and results in a bonding effect. Hydrocolloid dressings may also contain gelatin, end up with has liquid-absorbing and emulsifying properties.

These substances are combined with adhesives and applied you will find type of a backing, (foam or plastic film.) This forms a sort of 'patch' or dressing, which is then applied to a wound on skin color. The dressing becomes self-adhesive, absorbent and waterproof.

Choosing wound-care products like Convatec DuoDerm have some of advantages, including:

*Ease of application and removal: Since hydrocolloid dressings are self-adhesive, they can be taken off as easily since they are applied. There are very few ripping or pulling of the skin surrounding the wound when the dressing is removed. Adhesiveness is maintained throughout the whole duration for the wearing of the dressing.

*Wet-tack ability: Regular dressings can be very difficult to on moist wounds, because they don't stick well to moist surfaces. Weeping wounds sometimes cause ordinary dressings to lose their adhesiveness. Hydrocolloid dressings actually adhere to both moist and dry surfaces, these ideal for moist, weeping wounds.

*Longer wear: Hydrocolloid dressings do not need to be changed as often as other types of dressings. They are far more absorbent than gauze-type dressings, which typically have to be changed at least once per day, often up to several times per day, depending on the kind of wound. Hydrocolloid dressings, on the other hand, can wind up being worn for till three to 5 days at an opportunity.

*Forming a tight seal/closure: The ability of hydrocolloid dressings to form a seal is in order to occlusion. This prevents water from penetrating the dressing, so they are able be worn in the shower, etc. It also prevents weeping wounds from leaking beyond the dressing. In fact, hydrocolloid dressings (such as DuoDerm) seal so effectively that they've even been employeed to stop the spread of highly infectious viruses such as MRSA.

*Less allergenic than other wound care products: Hydrocolloid dressings carry very safe of causing allergic reactions/contact dermatitis. To do this reason, most everyone should take them, even individuals with sensitive skin and skin allergies.

*Less likely to dry out skin: Adhesive, gauze-type dressings tend to possess a drying effect on skin and on the wounds they are covering. This may cause irritation of your wound and nearby skin. Hydrocolloid dressings, on the other hand, have a softening effect.

Hydrocolloid dressings regarding example Convatec DuoDerm work for wounds moderate to medium exudate. (Exudate refers to the substance that is excreted from wounds, usually referred to as 'weeping' or 'oozing.') They are common not recommended for serious burns, however rather are indicated for lacerations, abrasions, incisions and punctures.