Wound Care Information Network

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Hydrocolloid Dressings

Characteristics / Functions

• Hydrocolloids are occlusive and adhesive wafer dressings which combine absorbent colloidal materials with adhesive elastomers to manage light to moderate amounts of wound exudate.
• Most hydrocolloids react with wound exudate to form a gel-like covering which protects the wound bed and maintains a moist wound environment.
• Hydrocolloid powders and pastes are also available with increased absorptive capacity

Best Uses

• Granulating and epithelializing wounds that are draining low to moderate amounts of exudate.
• Hydrocolloid sheets help promote autolytic debridement by keeping wound exudate  in contact with necrotic tissue (slough & eschar).

Advantages

• Conformable for easy application and help reduce pain at the wound site

Disadvantages

• Moderate to heavily exudating wounds may overwhelm the hydrocolloid dressing, usually within a few days
• Break down of the product may produce a residue of varying colors and possible foul odor. This should not be confused with an infectious process.

Hydrocolloids Available:

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