These dressings offer many advantages for wound healing. Its design is waterproof and self-adhering. They repel water and seal the wound from external contaminants. Many of these dressings are self-adhesive to the skin around the wound. They absorb light to moderate exudate and are available in many different shapes and sizes. These dressings also come in different thicknesses. Dressing changes are less frequent than with many other dressings, requiring changes only every 3 to 5 days. Fewer changes reduce wound trauma and patient anxiety often experienced with dressing removal and replacement.
List of Types
Hydrocolloid Pads
Thin Hydrocolloid Dressing
Hydrocolloid Adhesive
Silver Hydrocolloid Dressing
Hydrocolloid Gel Bandage
Hydrocolloid Sheet
Alginate Hydrocolloid Dressing
Sacral Hydrocolloid Dressing
Hydrocolloid Foam Dressing
Hydrocolloid Ointment
Transparent Hydrocolloid
Occlusive Hydrocolloid Dressing
Hydrocolloid Water Dressing
Hydrocolloid Acne Dressing
Product Summary
Construction
Properties
Wound Types
gelatin
flexible and body conforming
partial thickness
pectin
easy application
full thickness
film backing
easy removal
low to moderate exudating
foam backing
light to moderate absorption
grandular
opaque
does not adhere to wound
necrotic
transparent
occlusive
Indications
Partial to full thickness wounds
Grandular wound
Necrotic wound
Moist or dry wound sites
Low to moderate draining wounds
Contraindications
Infected wounds
Diabetic patients
Dressing Characteristics
Occlusive
Flexible
Adheres to the skin, not the wound
Absorbs low to moderate exudate
Opaque (some companies are beginning to make transparent—Coloplast Comfeel Plus and MPM Medical Excel)
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
Promotes a moist environment for healing
Provides autolytic debridement of necrotic wounds
Highly absorbent
Waterproof
Fewer dressing changes (3 to 7 days)
Offers faster healing
Offers less pain
Lowers risk of infection (impermeable to external contaminants)
Will not traumatize skin upon removal
Easy to apply
Does not adhere to the wound
Some are adhesive-dressings that adhere to surrounding skin to seal off the wound
Flexible and conforming
Disadvantages
Not for wounds with heavy exudate
Not for infectious wounds
May cause hypergranulation
Possible skin maceration
May promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria
Not the best choice for patients with fragile skin
Maybe challenging to stay in position
Sometimes produces odor
Not for use upon foot wounds of diabetic patients
Product Characteristics
Debridement
Moisture
Management
Wound
Protection
Conforming
Bandage
Change f
Infection
Control
Odor
Control
autolytic
light to moderate
exudate
occlusive
flexible
3 to 5 days
no
no
high vapor
transmission
keeps out
external contaminants
body conforming
easy dressing
changes
maintains moist
environment
impermeable to water
does not stick
to wound
provides thermal
insulation
reduces infection risk
FAQ's
What is a hydrocolloid dressing?
This wound care product is known for its flexibility and its occlusive design. It repels water and keeps out harmful substances, including bacteria. The bandage offers a moist wound environment to promote healing.
What are hydrocolloid dressings used for?
This dressing treats partial and full thickness wounds. It is a very flexible dressing that contours to the body, making it a good choice for awkward areas such as elbows and heels.
autolytic debridement
light to moderate exudate
maintains a moist wound environment
thermal insulation
impermeable to water
bacteria barrier
reduces infection rates
conforming bandage
Types of wounds served
Burns
Pressure Ulcers
Blisters
Boils
Sutures
Abrasions
When should hydrocolloid dressings be used?
This wound treatment protects grandular and necrotic wounds. It should not be used on infected wounds unless it has an added antimicrobial agent such as silver.
Types of Hydrocolloid Dressings
Gelatin
Pectin
Film Backing
Foam Backing
Transparent
With or Without Border
Top Manufacturers and Brands
Ranking the Best Hydrocolloid Dressings (by sales)
Xiao-Qin He, Hong-Lin Chen, 
