Dressings made from hydrocolloid materials provide moisture and insulation for a wound to heal in a controlled environment. A hydrocolloid dressing protects wounds from infection and facilitates healing by allowing the body's enzymes to work optimally.
Dressings made of hydrocolloids are usually easier to apply and less frequently changed than other types. The gel-like agents in hydrocolloid dressings facilitate wound healing. Their backing (usually polyurethane) is waterproof and readily adheres to the skin. Various shapes and thicknesses of hydrocolloid dressings are available, and adhesive borders may or may not be included for better securement.
Hydrocolloid dressings and their uses
Applying hydrocolloid dressings to wounds free from dirt and debris is best. When using hydrocolloid dressing, especially in ostomy sites where natural was is eliminated through a temporary or permanent opening, hydrocolloid dressing protects the skin from further degradation and facilitates stoma healing. At this time, cleaning remains of waste surrounding the skin where we intend to apply the dressing, it is important to clean. In addition, hydrocolloids are also used to dry wounds without having to drain them.
Benefits of Hydrocolloids in Advanced Wound Care
Due to its ability to create a protective barrier over the skin and its absorbent properties, hydrocolloid technology has been vital for decades in advanced wound care.
Hydrocolloids are combined with a flexible adhesive and applied to a carrier, such as polyurethane film, to create an absorbent, waterproof dressing. Hydrocolloid dressings are ideal for wounds with mild to moderate drainage as they are one of the market's most advanced wound care products.
Hydrocolloids absorb moisture from wounds - exudate - and solidify into a gel, controlling external contaminants, microorganisms, and bacteria. Sealing also maintains a moist environment so that healing will occur more quickly, the pain will be reduced, and leakage will be prevented.
A hydrocolloid dressing also rehydrates necrotic tissue and softens it by gently softening and rehydrating it using the body's natural enzymes for autolytic debridement.
Hydrocolloid dressings work for what types of wounds?
Various types of wounds can be treated with hydrocolloid dressings, such as clean, granular, necrotic, superficial, and phlebostatic ulcers, mild ulcers, venous ulcers, leg injuries, burns, and others.
Hydrocolloids are also an ideal protection layer for newly healed skin or for wounds that are partially healed but are at risk of surface trauma due to their flexibility and waterproof properties.
Why are hydrocolloid dressings beneficial?
In advanced wound care, hydrocolloid dressings offer several benefits, including:
Durability: A hydrocolloid dressing typically lasts three to seven days, so it is unnecessary to change it as frequently as some other wound dressings.
Faster healing: Hydrocolloid dressings encourage the body's enzymes to do their work by providing a moist environment. Managing exudate more effectively reduces healing time further. Moreover, hydrocolloids allow the wound to heal undisturbed because of their prolonged use.
Reduced pain: Compared to gauze, hydrocolloid dressings can reduce pain by retaining moisture and preserving healing environments.
Lower risk of infection: Waterproof hydrocolloid dressings protect bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants from getting into the wound and surrounding skin.
Adhere only to surrounding skin: Unlike gauze, hydrocolloid dressings adhere to only the surrounding skin and not the wound. It keeps the skin intact and protects it.
Ease of use: Hydrocolloid dressings are easy to apply and can be shaped and sized to fit a variety of body parts, including those with irregular shapes or hard to reach. The material is also flexible and molds to the shape of the skin.
Cost-effective: Hydrocolloid dressings are self-adhesive, saving healthcare facilities material and operating costs.
What are the indications for using hydrocolloid dressings?
The following wounds can be treated with these wound dressings:
Infectious-free
Debris-free
The area is dry and poorly drained
Thinner than average
Due to their flexibility and resistance to water, these dressings are also excellent for protecting partially healed wounds with granulation tissue from surface trauma or for recently healed wounds with granulation tissue.
Hydrocolloid dressings can mold around wounds and provide insulation, thus saving the body energy.
Hydrocolloid Dressing Application
It is a common practice to apply a hydrocolloid dressing to a wound after it has healed. Here's how to do it:
Protect your hands by wearing gloves and keeping them clean.
Any previous dressing should be removed and discarded, noting the date it was applied.
Replace gloves after removing and discarding them, washing your hands, and putting them on again.
Saline or wound cleanser can be used to clean the wound.
With a clean gauze pad, pat the wound dry.
Wash hands, remove gloves, and put on new ones.
Ensure that the peri-wound skin is kept moist. Use wound filler on deeper wounds.
The dressing should be 2 to 3 inches larger than the wound.
To improve its adhesion, warm the hydrocolloid dressing between your hands. Hydrocolloid dressing backing should be removed.
Make a half-fold in the dressing. To dress a wound, start at the center and work your way out.
The dressing should be smooth from center to outward. You can hold it to improve adhesion. For dressings without adhesive or to further secure them, apply tape.
Ensure that waste can be disposed of and gloves can be thrown away.
Taking off a hydrocolloid dressing
To remove a hydrocolloid dressing from a wound, follow the following steps:
Lift the adhesive on one side by pressing down on the skin near the dressing's edge.
Once all the adhesive is gone, lift around the dressing's edges again.
The dressing should be peeled off the wound in the direction where the hair grows.
Reapply the dressing if needed.
Changing Dresses Frequently
Hydrocolloid dressings usually last between three and seven days. Hydrocolloid dressings sometimes appear earlier around the edges. A change should be made sooner if this is the case.
Due to the moisture and protection they provide, wounds do not require daily cleaning. If wounds covered with hydrocolloid dressings do not receive regular air exposure, they will heal faster.
Using hydrocolloid dressings on an infected wound is not accessible due to the difficulty of checking the wound, so this type of dressing should only be used on completely clean wounds.
Hydrocolloid dressings have disadvantages.
Some wounds are inappropriate for these dressings and should not be used in cases with heavy exudate or infection. Among the disadvantages are:
Seeing through the bandage can be challenging.
There may be curls or rolls on the edges of bandages
There are times when dressings adhere to wounds and cause trauma to fragile skin when they come off
There is a possibility of peri-wound maceration or hyper granulation caused by dressings
Bottom line
Hydrocolloid dressings provide a moist and insulating healing environment and help protect uninfected wounds while facilitating wound healing by releasing the body's enzymes.
These coccyx hydrocolloid patches are unique because they require little or no maintenance and can be easily applied. Taking care of susceptible, inflamed, or delicate skin is essential. Remember to use wound care products if you have any.