Informational Resource for Hydrocolloid Dressings
Hydrocolloid Dressings
Hydrocolloid dressings contain gel-forming agents and in the presence of wound exudate, hydrocolloids absorb liquid and form a gel.
Most hydrocolloid dressings are impermeable to water
vapor when they are intact, but as the gelling process takes place, the dressing becomes progressively more permeable.
Hydrocolloid dressings, unlike many dressings, can adhere to a moist wound site as well as a dry one. As the hydrocolloid dressing reacts with wound exudate the formation of a gel-like covering
protects the wound bed creating
a moist wound
environment.
Hydrocolloid dressings are often used on superficial, granulating and epithelializing wounds that are draining low to moderate amounts of exudate.
Hydrocolloid dressings
help promote autolytic debridement by keeping wound exudate in contact with necrotic tissue.
Hydrocolloid dressings are conformable for easy application and help reduce pain at the wound site.
The information provided here is intended to inform readers. Patients should address specific
medical concerns with their physicians.