Hydrocolloid Dressings

Hydrocolloid Dressings

Hydrocolloid Dressings

Even the safest surroundings cannot prevent small cuts, burns and abrasions from happening. Therefore, having some knowledge of wound care and management techniques can be very beneficial. We are lucky that we live in an age when wound care has considerably progressed as opposed to a few hundred years ago when some wound care techniques were quite brutal. A very important part of wound care is keeping the wound from further irritation and infection by using an appropriate dressing. Wound dressings are a fundamental part of wound care and management. Over the years, wound care has come a long way and significant improvements have been made in this area.

Hydrocolloid dressings are one of the most widely used types of dressings. It contains substances such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose which forms a gel after absorbing the exudates from the wound. In the initial phase after it is applied to a wound, it acts occlusive and does not allow water or bacteria through it. However, once the gel is formed it slowly becomes permeable. These dressings help in granulation and epithelialization of the wound and promote debridement. Duoderm is the most well known wound dressing that uses this technology.

What makes hydrocolloid dressings like duoderm a favorite is the ease of use. It does not require frequent changing and can be left for up to seven days. Hydrocolloid dressings are also much easy to remove as compared to other types of dressings. Hydrocolloid dressings don't stick to the wound itself; therefore, these are easily removable.

There are three types of hydrocolloids: paste, powder and sheet. If paste or powder is used to fill the wound bed, a sheet dressing may be needed to cover the wound. Sheet dressings are comfortable to wear and are water proof. These sheets come in a variety of shapes and thickness which makes them suitable for even difficult to wear body parts such as elbows and heels.

When using a hydrocolloid dressing, some of the things to keep in mind are:

- When applying duoderm or any other hydrocolloid dressing, you should gently place your hand on the dressing for a short while. The reason is that hydrocolloids stick much better at body temperature. Keeping the hand over the dressing allows the heat from the hand to transfer to the dressing.

- Choose a dressing with thin edges because the dressings with thick edges sometimes turn over at the edges and stick to the clothing

- When hydrocolloid dressings are removed they leave a residue on the bed of the wound. This residue should be removed before ascertaining the status of the wound

POST COMMENT

DePuy Products Approved with the Same Regulatory Loopholes it Used for Defective Hip Replacements Girls on the Run: Choosing the Best Shoes Rap Act Does Hip Hop Add to the Fashion Trend The Ultimate Help guide to Stylish Party, Prom, Ball and Evening Dresses The Benefits of Purchasing from H&M Clothing Store The Unique High Class Burberry Products Hollywood Producer James Hardy Launches Independent Production Companies Nameplates on your products Clubbing Dresses - Four Suggestions To Maintain In Mind Go and be the trend setter with the stylish Peep Toe shoes How to Choose a Perfect Peep Toe Heel Shoe for You? How to Spot Genuine Gucci Bags from Gucci Outlet Store Gucci Products for All Ages at Gucci Factory Outlet