Hydrocolloid Dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings are occlusive, self-adhesive dressings that form a gel with wound exudate to keep the wound bed moist and support autolytic debridement. Suited to dry-to-low exuding, superficial wounds and to protecting fragile or granulating tissue. Waterproof and can stay in place for several days. Avoid on clinically infected or heavily exuding wounds.

How to choose & when to switch

Choose a hydrocolloid for a clean, dry-to-lightly-moist, shallow wound, or to protect fragile or healing skin — it is waterproof and can stay on for several days.

Switch away from a hydrocolloid when: fluid regularly leaks or the gel "bubble" reaches the edge before the change day — step up to a foam or alginate. If the wound looks or smells infected, stop using the occlusive hydrocolloid, switch to an antimicrobial dressing and seek review. A mild odour on the gel at removal is normal and not itself a sign of infection.