Medical Products Containing Hydrogel
Hydrogel-based wound dressings are widely available medical products used in chronic wound care, with examples including VariHesive® (a standard hydrogel dressing), EHO-85 (a novel amorphous hydrogel containing olive leaf extract), and various generic hydrogel sheets or amorphous gels applied directly to wound beds. 1, 2, 3
Specific Product Examples
VariHesive® is a commercially available standard hydrogel dressing that has been used as a comparator in randomized controlled trials for pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers 2
EHO-85 is a novel amorphous antioxidant hydrogel containing Olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, which demonstrated superior wound area reduction compared to standard hydrogels in a multicenter randomized trial 2
Generic hydrogel sheets and amorphous gels are available from multiple manufacturers and function as autolytic debridement agents by providing moisture to facilitate natural debridement of dry or necrotic wounds 1
Clinical Context and Application
Hydrogels are specifically indicated for wounds with minimal exudate, as they provide hydration rather than absorption 1. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot recommends cleaning wounds with water or saline before applying hydrogel dressings directly to the wound bed, then covering with an appropriate secondary dressing 1. Dressing changes typically range from daily to once weekly depending on wound condition 1.
Important Clinical Caveat
Despite their availability and use, the IWGDF guidelines strongly recommend against selecting hydrogels over sharp debridement for diabetic foot ulcers, as the evidence supporting hydrogels for wound healing is of low quality with high risk of bias. 4, 1 Sharp debridement remains the preferred method for removing slough, necrotic tissue, and surrounding callus in diabetic foot ulcers 4. Hydrogels should not be used as primary treatment for heavily exuding wounds or infected wounds, as the moist environment may promote bacterial growth or lead to maceration 1.