From the Guidelines
Hydrocolloid gel dressings should be used on pressure ulcers to reduce wound size, as recommended by the American College of Physicians 1. When considering the use of hydrocolloid gel on a wound, it's essential to evaluate the wound type and its characteristics. Hydrocolloid gel dressings are suitable for wounds that are partial to full-thickness with low to moderate exudate, such as pressure ulcers. Some key points to consider when using hydrocolloid gel dressings include:
- Apply these dressings to clean wounds that are free from infection and debris, ensuring the dressing extends at least 1 inch beyond the wound edges 1.
- The dressing should remain in place for 3-7 days, depending on the amount of exudate, and should be changed when the gel becomes saturated or begins to leak.
- Hydrocolloid dressings work by creating a moist healing environment that promotes autolytic debridement, encourages granulation tissue formation, and provides a barrier against external contaminants.
- They also offer pain relief as they don't adhere to the wound bed.
- These dressings are not appropriate for infected wounds, third-degree burns, or wounds with heavy drainage 1.
- If you notice increased pain, redness, swelling, or foul odor while using a hydrocolloid dressing, remove it immediately and seek medical attention as these may indicate infection. The use of hydrocolloid gel dressings on pressure ulcers is supported by the American College of Physicians, which recommends their use to reduce wound size 1.
From the Research
Wound Healing Stages and Hydrocolloid Gel
- Hydrocolloid dressings can be used on wounds in various stages of healing, providing a moist environment, constant wound temperature, and infrequent dressing changes 2.
- For chronic wounds, hydrocolloid dressings are recommended for the epithelialization stage, along with low-adherence dressings 3.
- In the case of acute wounds, hydrocolloid dressings can be used for the epithelialization stage, with low-adherence dressings also being a suitable option 3.
Properties of Hydrocolloid Dressings
- Hydrocolloid dressings have two layers: an inner hydrocolloid adhesive layer that absorbs exudate to form a hydrated gel, and an outer layer that forms a seal to protect the wound from contamination and maintain a moist environment 4.
- Hydrocolloid dressings are designed to be worn for up to a week, with infrequent dressing changes that are less disruptive to the wound bed 4.
Specific Wound Types and Hydrocolloid Gel
- For wounds with limited drainage or copious amounts of drainage, hydrocolloid dressings may not always be the best choice, and other approaches may be more economical and comfortable for the patient 4.
- In certain cases, such as superficial wounds or partial-thickness injuries, epithelialization may occur without significant granulation tissue formation, suggesting an alternative wound healing pathway 5.