Hydrocolloid dressings are dressings made by mixing elastic polymeric hydrogels with synthetic rubber and adhesives. The most common gel used in dressings is hydroxymethylcellulose, which adheres firmly to the skin at the wound edge and swells up to 12 times when it absorbs exudate.
Hydrocolloid dressing is a new type of wound dressing developed under the guidance of the principle of wet healing. Hydrocolloid dressings can be applied to the treatment of various wounds, especially for chronic refractory wounds. The absorbency and viscosity of hydrocolloid make it meet the basic requirements of an ideal dressing, that is, to protect the wound, provide a suitable environment to promote wound healing, and be easy to remove without damaging the new tissue. Of course, hydrocolloid dressings still have room for further development, such as improving absorbability and enhancing antibacterial ability.
Hydrocolloid dressings are mainly used on patients' wounds to protect the wounds and promote wound healing. Mainly used for patients with pressure ulcers, the hydrocolloid dressing can be directly attached to the sterilized pressure ulcer wound or the wound that is about to form a pressure ulcer. The colloid dressing has good elasticity and good air permeability, can help the recovery of the wound surface of the pressure ulcer patient, and avoid the continued aggravation of the pressure ulcer wound surface. The specific usage of the hydrocolloid dressing is to debride and disinfect the local wound surface of the patient first, and then directly attach the hydrocolloid dressing to the wound surface after drying. It is not necessary to replace it every day. It is recommended to replace it once every 3 to 5 days. When replacing, pay attention to the recovery. If the wound surface gradually recovers, you can continue to use it; if the wound surface gradually increases, it is recommended to use other methods for treatment to avoid delaying the disease.
1. Hydrocolloid dressings are not recommended for wounds with severe infection, exposed skeletal tendons and excessive exudate;
2. Hydrocolloid dressings form gel after contact with wound exudate. When the dressing is opened, similar purulent substances can be seen in the wound, accompanied by Special odor, sometimes visible color change and swelling phenomenon, which are the substances and odors formed by the decomposition of the dressing itself and the protein in the exudate;
3. It cannot be used for superficial to full-thickness wounds, wounds with moderate to large amount of exudate;
4. For wounds with excessive growth of granulation tissue and a large amount of exudate, foam dressings can be used to make use of its strong exudate. The liquid absorption capacity keeps the local moist and clean, and the elastic bandage is used to inhibit the proliferation of granulation tissue;
5. Keep the wound moist and the surrounding skin dry to avoid affecting the repair of the wound due to excessive and frequent replacement of hydrocolloid dressings.