What is a Hydrocolloid Dressing?

Hydrocolloid dressings are versatile, comfortable, and easy to use. They are adhesive sheets constructed of two layers, available in many sizes and thicknesses. Hydrocolloids are classified as moisture retentive dressings because the contact layer contains agents that absorb wound exudate to form a gel. This gel promotes healing by maintaining optimal moisture balance of the wound bed. The outer layer protects the wound from contamination and aids in regulating the wound temperature. Being fully or partially occlusive, the outer layer is relatively water resistant so people can shower with the dressing on.

Benefits of hydrocolloid dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings bring many benefits to wound management. By creating a moist, protected environment, these dressing promote re-growth of skin over the wound-bed.

Other key benefits include:

• Skin friendly
• Easy to apply
• Promote healing
• Does not stick to the wound
• Flexible and waterproof

How to apply a hydrocolloid dressing

Hydrocolloid dressings are easy to apply, and simply require standard wound-care techniques. For best practice application, follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry hands thoroughly.
2. ALWAYS use a skin friendly adhesive remover to take off previous dressings.
3. Clean wound with saline or wound cleansing solution. You could also use boiled water that has cooled to room temperature.
4. Pat wound dry with gauze.
5. Apply a skin protectant/barrier to the skin around the wound.
6. Using a hydrocolloid dressing that is roughly 3cm larger than the wound, peel off the backing paper.
7. Apply the dressing from the centre of the wound
8. Ensure the adhesive is smooth against the skin
9. Place hands over dressing for two minutes – the warmth and pressure will help the dressing mould and stick

When to change the dressing

Hydrocolloids can stay on for around seven days but wear time should be dictated by the amount of exudate present. Where absorption and gel formation have occurred, the dressing will begin to change colour (some version of white) and swell. If there is exudate leaking from the dressing, or the periwound skin is becoming macerated, consider more frequent dressing changes or a different dressing.

How to remove a hydrocolloid dressing

Simply follow these steps when it’s time to remove the dressing:

• Carefully lift one corner of the dressing.
• Apply adhesive remover where the dressing is in contact with the skin. Gradually continue peeling the dressing and applying remover to newly exposed sections. Allow about 10 seconds for adhesive remover to break down the glue before peeling. BE PATIENT – your skin health is important.
• Remove the dressing from the wound in the direction of hair growth
  • Clean and dry the skin where adhesive remover has been used – otherwise the next dressing won’t stick.

When are hydrocolloid dressings not suitable?

Hydrocolloid dressings are not suitable for all types of wounds. In particular, these dressings should not be used on wounds that are infected or require drainage.
If people have fragile skin they may be reluctant to use adhesive dressings because taking them off causes further skin damage. Use of a skin friendly adhesive remover makes it easy and safe to take the dressing off.

Is it safe to use Hydrocolloid Dressings on Patients with Diabetes?

As patients with diabetes can have specific wound-care needs, it is advisable to use hydrocolloid dressings cautiously, especially if the wound is on the foot. Generally, these dressings are suitable for use on individuals with diabetes so long as:

• The patient has been thoroughly assessed
• The wound is not deep
• There is no sign of infection
• The wound does not require drainage
• Ischemia is not present
• The dressing will be changed frequently