You may have used hydrocolloid dressings in your practice, but perhaps you are wondering if you have been using them correctly. The following guide will help you to decide which wounds hydrocolloids may be used on, and under what circumstances they should not be used.
Product Overview
Hydrocolloids are dressings composed of varying materials such as carboxymethylcellulose, pectin and gelatin. The substance that comprises the layer that comes in contact with the wound may be different, depending on the type of hydrocolloid dressing. What they all have in common is that they provide a moist healing environment that is conducive to autolytic debridement and the formation of granulation tissue. These dressing come in many different shapes and sizes and may be found in paste, powder and wafer form.
Indications
- Pressure ulcers
- Partial and full-thickness wounds
- Necrotic wounds or wounds with slough
- Wounds with light to moderate drainage (exudate)
Contraindications
- Wounds with heavy exudate
- Wounds containing sinus tracts
- Wounds with fragile skin surrounding the wound
- Wounds with exposed structures (i.e. bones or tendons)
Advantages
- May be used as either a primary or a secondary dressing
- Do not allow bacteria to enter the wound
- Encourage autolytic debridement
- Variety of shapes and sizes allow you to choose one which adheres well to the wound being treated
- Slight to moderate absorptive properties
- Minimal skin trauma
- Minimal disruption of healing
- Allow wound visualization (if transparent)
- Can be used in conjunction with compression products
Disadvantages
- May leave a sticky residue on the wound edges, or may leave a residue in the wound itself
- Opaque hydrocolloids make wound assessment difficult
- Heavily draining wounds may cause dressing to become dislodged
- Occlusive nature of these dressings minimizes gas exchange between the wound and the environment
- Edges of the dressing may curl
- Can injure fragile skin when removing the dressing
At woundeducators.com, we understand that life is hectic, and keeping up to date on all the latest industry news can be difficult. This is why we have dedicated ourselves to becoming the one resource that you can turn to in order to keep you up to speed in the rapidly developing field of wound care management. If you are interested in becoming a certified wound care specialist, visit us at www.woundeducators.com to find out more about how you can advance your career, earn more money and enjoy greater job opportunities.
Source:
Hess, C. (2002). Clinical Guide: Wound Care. Fourth Edition. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation.
