Hydrocolloids
Hydrocolloid wound dressings are wafers, powders, or pastes composed of gelatin, pectin, or carboxymethylcellulose. Absorption capability depends on thickness and composition. Wafers are self-adhering and available with or without an adhesive border and in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They are useful on areas that require contouring, such as the heels and sacrum. Powders and pastes require a secondary dressing. Indicated for partial- and full-thickness wounds with or without necrotic tissue.
Hydrocolloid wound dressings are occlusive or semiocclusive dressings made of gelatin, pectin, polysaccharides or sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Hydrocolloid dressings are available in paste, powder, gel or sheet/wafer forms with a polyurethane or film outer layer (pastes and gels require secondary dressing). These dressings gel upon contact with wound exudate, providing a moist wound healing environment and promoting autolytic debridement.
Hydrocolloid dressings feature the following general performance properties and attributes:
• Non-adherent to moist wound base
• Water-resistant
• Impermeable to bacteria, gases, water, water vapor and other external contaminants
• Self-adherent
• Moldable
• Can be used under compression products
• Maintain moisture by gelling on contact with exudate
• Designed to be worn for 1 to 7 days
• Can be cut to fit
Hydrocolloids are indicated for use as either a primary or secondary dressing in the treatment of lightly to moderately exuding partial- and full-thickness wounds such as dermal ulcers, skin tears, lacerations, pressure ulcers, or wounds with necrotic tissue or slough.
Hydrocolloid dressings are generally contraindicated for: burns or dry wounds; wounds with heavy exudate; tunneling wounds or sinus tracts; infected wounds; wounds with exposed tendon or bone; wounds with fragile periwound skin. Some hydrocolloid dressings are contraindicated for use on full-thickness wounds.
The following general warnings apply to hydrocolloid dressings. Always refer to manufacturer information for Warnings and Precautions for a specific product.
May leave residue in wound bed.
May encourage hypertrophic granulation.
May cause maceration of periwound skin.
May increase the risk for anaerobic infection.
Limits gas exchange between wound bed and environment.
May injure fragile skin upon removal.
May present with odor on dressing change, which should not be confused as a sign of infection.
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