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Hydrocolloid Dressings - Pads, Foam, Gel, Alginate, Silver

Hydrocolloid dressings are an advanced wound dressing constructed with pectin, carboxymethylcellulose, and polymers. Some dressings have an adhesive added to the border, laminated to film or foam. They are generally used for moderately draining wounds. What makes these dressings unique is their soft, absorptive wafers that become gel-like over time to help with the healing process. Our selection includes quality products from top brands.

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Wound Healing Benefits of Hydrocolloid Dressings

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.

Types of Dressings

  • 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

Construction

Gelatin

Pectin

Film Backing

Foam Backing

Opaque

Transparent

Indications

Partial to full thickness wounds

Grandular wound

Necrotic wound

Moist or dry wound sites

Low to moderate draining wounds

Properties

Flexible and Body Conforming

Easy Application

Easy Removal

Light to Moderate Absorbtion

Does not Adhere to Wound

Occulsive

Contraindication

Infected wounds

Diabetic patients

Wound Types

Partial Thinckness

Full Thickness

Low to Moderate Exudating

Grandular

Necrotic

 

Dressing Characteristics

Occlusive

Flexible

Adheres to the skin, not the wound

Absorbs low to moderate exudate

Opaque


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

Product Characteristics

Debridment: Autolytic

Moisture Management: light - moderate exudate; high vapor transmission; maintains moist enviroment

Wound Protection: occulsive; keeps out contaminates; impermeable to water; reduces infection risk

Conforming Bandages: flexable; body conforming

Change Frequency: 3 to 5 day; easy dressing changes; does not stick to wounds

Infection or Odor Control: no 

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

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

Ranking the Best Hydrocolloid Dressings (by sales)

  • 3M Tegaderm
  • ConvaTec DuoDERM
  • 3M Nexcare
  • Coloplast Comfeel
  • Medline Exuderm
  • Coloplast Contreet
  • Hollister Restore
  • Smith & Nephew RepliCare
  • Systagenix Nu-Derm
  • DermaSciences Medihoney
  • DermaRite DermaFilm
  • Hartmann USA Flexicol

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