The Benefits of Hydrocolloid Dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings are a great way to provide a safe healing environment for a wide variety of wounds. They are more convenient than traditional gauze dressings and are extremely easy to apply.

The benefits of hydrocolloid dressings in wound care

If you are interested in learning more about how to improve your quality of life and make caring for your wounds and ostomies easier, read on to learn more about hydrocolloid dressings!

Gel-forming agents

These dressings work differently than any other kind thanks to the gel-forming agents they contain. The waterproof backing is typically made of polyurethane and they come in a variety of shapes and thicknesses, making them ideal for anything you need to seal. They also come with or without adhesive borders and are made specially to fit areas that are difficult to dress, like elbows, heels, and knees.

How to apply hydrocolloid dressings

You want to make sure that the area is free of dirt and any debris, clean and uninfected, and dry with little to no drainage. To apply it properly, make sure you’ve washed your hands with disinfectant and put on gloves.

Remove any previous dressings, and change your gloves. Clean the area with saline or wound cleanser and pat the wound dry. Once again, put on new, clean gloves.

After applying a moisture barrier, choose a hydrocolloid dressing that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the wound all the way around. Remove the backing, fold it in half, and apply from the center of the wound.

Smooth out the dressing from the center and hold it down to secure the adhesive. You can add tape if necessary, and throw away your gloves and any waste from the backing.

Removing hydrocolloid dressings

Removing it is just as easy. Hold down the skin and lift up one side of the dressing. Continue to slowly lift up around the edges. If there is hair stuck to the adhesive, remove it in the direction of hair growth.

When to change a hydrocolloid dressing

These dressings only need to be changed every 3 to 7 days. If it starts peeling up on its own, change it sooner.

Not only will these provide a moist environment that allows the body to heal more quickly, but they also won’t stick to the wound and are very flexible to move with your body.

Choose Sarasota Medical Products for wound and ostomy products

If you’re in need of your own hydrocolloid dressings or skin and wound care products, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Sarasota Medical Products. Call us at (941) 377-1451, and we will help with all your wound care needs!