Frequently Asked Questions: Hydrocolloid Dressings

Frequently Asked Questions: Hydrocolloid Dressings

Submitted: 27 February 1998

Introduction

Hydrocolloids are among the most widely used modern dressings, but that does not necessarily mean that they are widely understood.

This article aims to provide answers to many of the questions that users might ask. It is not intended to be the final word, rather the opposite. These answers are written to be a starting point and no more. Like every article in World Wide Wounds. it can be amended or extended following readers' suggestions and additions.

What are hydrocolloid dressings?

Hydrocolloids are a type of dressing containing gel-forming agents, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and gelatin. In many products, these are combined with elastomers and adhesives and applied to a carrier - usually polyurethane foam or film, to form an absorbent, self adhesive, waterproof wafer.

In the presence of wound exudate, hydrocolloids absorb liquid and form a gel, the properties of which are determined by the nature of the formulation. Some dressings form a cohesive gel, which is largely contained within the adhesive matrix, others form more mobile, less viscous gels which are not retained within the dressing structure.

In the intact state most hydrocolloids are impermeable to water vapour, but as the gelling process takes place, the dressing becomes progressively more permeable. The loss of water through the dressing in this way enhances the ability of the product to cope with exudate production [1].

One feature of hydrocolloids that is appreciated by clinicians is wet tack, unlike most dressings, they can adhere to a moist site as well as a dry one.

www.smtl.co.uk/World-Wide-Wounds/1997/july/Thomas-Hydronet/hydronet.html]

What are the main indications for hydrocolloid dressings?

Hydrocolloids are easy to use, require changing only every 3-5 days, and do not cause trauma on removal. This makes them useful for clean, granulating, superficial wounds, with low to medium exudate.

Hydrocolloids provide effective occlusion, with dry wounds, they can have a softening effect, and they have been used to prevent the spread of MRSA (by providing a physical occlusive barrier).

Reference: Thomas, S. Hydrocolloids Journal of Wound Care 1992:1,2, 27-30

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