Product Focus: Hydrocolloid Dressing 
Description:
- wafer dressing containing gel-forming agents in an adhesive compound laminated onto a flexible water resistant outer layer
- occlusive or semi-occlusive dressing to cover the wound and prevent bacteria and fluids from interacting with the wound while promoting moist wound healing and
autolytic debridement
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When to Use:
- to protect intact skin or newly healed wounds
- non-infected wounds with scant to moderate drainage
- wounds with granulation tissue or necrotic tissue
- partial and full thickness wounds
- may be used under compression
Advantages:
- available in variety of shapes, sizes, adhesive properties and in a variety of forms including wafers, pastes and powders
- adhesive, moldable, provides a moisture barrier
- promotes moist wound healing
- provides autolytic debridement
Disadvantages:
- many CANNOT be used on infected wounds – check manufacturer’s instructions
- dislodges with heavy exudate
- odor when removed
- dressing may dislodge with shearing or friction – beveled edges may help prevent this
- may cause peri-wound maceration
Examples:
- DuoDerm, Ultec, RepliCare, Tegasorb, Restore
Reminders:
- many are not for use on infected wounds – check manufacturer’s instructions
- not indicated for heavily exudating wounds
- apply wafer 1 – 2 inches larger than wound
- change every 3 days or up to 7 days, depending on exudates and manufacturer’s instructions
- DO NOT USE with fungal lesions, herpetic lesions, wound with deep tunnels, tracts and undermining, fragile surrounding skin, exposed tendon or bone
- dressing may be warmed prior to application for improved adherence; hold in place 30 – 40 seconds when applying
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