Everything You Need to Know About Hydrocolloid Dressings: Definition, Working, and Advantages

Wound or injury nursing is one of the most important components of medical treatment. Mishaps like road accidents, falls, attacks etc., can cause major injuries which can seriously damage the organ systems of the body. If not treated properly and at the earliest, such injuries can be fatal, too. Hence, quick treatment of such injuries becomes a must. Wound dressings are one of the most common ways to keep the wound, injuries, or burns protected by creating a conducive environment for and protecting the wound from external factors like pathogens, dust and dirt, physical force, etc. Among the many types of wound dressings that are used commonly in the medical sector, one valuable wound dressing type is hydrocolloid dressing.

What is Hydrocolloid Dressing and How Does it Work?

Hydrocolloid dressings are primarily used for the treatment of uninfected wounds such as minor burns, bed sores, etc. Hydrocolloid dressings are generally biodegradable in nature and adhere to the skin easily which makes them perfect for wound healing. These dressings help in creating an insulating environment around the wound, thereby allowing the bodily enzymes to heal the wound effectively.

Hydrocolloid bandages have two layers - an inner layer made of polyurethane film which keeps the wound clean and insulated from dirt, dust, and pathogens. The outer layer is opaque or semi-permeable which keeps moisture out but provides ventilation depending on the permeability of the layer. However, though the dressing prevents outside moisture from entering, hydrocolloid dressings in fact promote wound moisture as wound moisture improves healing outcomes. Hence, in order to maintain wound moisture, hydrocolloid dressings contain gel-forming agents which promote fibrinolysis for healing. Also, hydrocolloid dressings generally contain gelatin and pectin which help in blood clotting for quick healing and structural support for cell growth respectively.

Benefits of Hydrocolloid Dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings are perfect for first or second-degree burns, blisters, bed sores, acne or popped pimples, skin abrasions, foot ulcers, cysts, etc. Due to the chemicals and ingredients present in hydrocolloid bandages, they play an active part in wound healing, unlike traditional wound dressings which play a passive role in injury treatment. Some of the advantages of hydrocolloid dressings are given below:

1. Reduced Risk of Infection

As mentioned earlier, hydrocolloid bandages have gel-like agents in them that trap pathogens, infection-causing bacteria, dust and dirt, and other contaminants. This reduces the chances of infection and turns the wound into a septic injury. Also, hydrocolloid bandages reduce the overall pH levels near the wound which decreases the pathogens’ capacity to thrive near the wounded area.

2. Ideal for Inaccessible Locations

One of the biggest problems faced during the dressing of inaccessible body areas is frequently changing the dressings and keeping the wound clean. In such cases, hydrocolloid dressings become the ideal way of dressing the injury. Hydrocolloid bandages are flexible in nature which helps in covering the wound completely. Also, over the years, bandages of different shapes and sizes have come up in the hydrocolloid dressing market that can be used to treat wounds effectively. Moreover, most of the bandages in the market have a waterproof outer layer, which allows normal washing or bathing.

3. Enhances Autolytic Debridement

Autolytic debridement is a natural process wherein the bodily enzymes, including certain proteins, digest and remove devitalized and damaged tissues at the wound site. Hydrocolloid bandages, by facilitating the accumulation of wound exudate, enhance the process of autolytic debridement and thus ensure faster and more efficient healing of the wound.

The Bottom Line

Due to the unique properties and advantages provided by hydrocolloid bandages, hydrocolloid dressing method is quite common in the medical field, when it comes to wound treatment. Moreover, since these dressings have certain unique ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree oil, etc., the bandages are safe for any type of skin and don’t cause any rashes or skin irritation. However, the extent of the wound or injury should be assessed correctly before applying hydrocolloid dressings, as they are unfit for major injuries which expose tendons or bones.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.