The transparent hydrocolloid dressing allows easy monitoring of the wound’s healing progress.
What are the benefits of hydrocolloid dressings?
Hydrocolloid dressings offer several benefits in wound care:
They help wounds to heal by maintaining a moist wound environment.1 Hydrocolloids help the healing process by creating an environment where the biological processes that promote healing occur in a more orderly fashion. They also promote granulation tissue formation, which is a vital step in wound healing.2 Finally, they facilitate autolytic debridement and help to manage wound exudate.1
They protect the wound from bacteria. Studies have shown that hydrocolloid dressings provide an external barrier to bacterial and viral invasion. They also create an optimal environment for the body’s normal defence mechanisms to function, which is vital for the control of invading organisms.1
They allow you to monitor the wound’s progress. Thinner, more transparent versions of hydrocolloid dressings allow you to check the wound’s healing progress without removing the dressing.2 By being able to monitor the wound through the dressing, you can reduce the number of dressing changes and avoid disturbing the wound – and in this way, promote faster healing.
They protect newly formed skin.2 Hydrocolloids cause less trauma to newly formed tissue than gauze. They also don’t stick to the wound when removed.1
They’re cost-effective. Hydrocolloid dressings are designed to be left in place for several days. This longer wear time can help save time and resources.1
They’re flexible. Hydrocolloid dressings are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Their conformability and pliability enable you to use them in a variety of situations and on different parts of the body.1 They’re also waterproof.
References
Queen D. Technology update: Understanding hydrocolloids. Wounds International 2009;1(1)
Ousey K et al. Hydrocolloids in Practice. Made Easy. Wound International 2012;8(1)
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