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.

Best Hydrocolloid Dressing
Types of Hydrocolloid Dressings
Hydrocolloid Dressing Summary
Guide to Hydrocolloid Dressings
Advantges and Disadvantages
Hydrocolloid FAQ's

Aquacel™ Foam Dressings
ConvaTec

Starting at: $8.15

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Restore Hydrocolloid Dressing With Foam Backing
Hollister

Starting at: $4.83

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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.

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