Posted on: April 28th, 2022

Hydrocolloid dressings contain ingredients that form a gel when they mix with bodily fluids, such as pus. They create a moist, protective environment for wounds to heal. Some also use hydrocolloid patches to treat acne.

Hydrocolloid dressings are available in a variety of formats. They consist of a material such as a film or foam that has an adhesive on one side. A person sticks the dressing to the skin and leaves it there until it is time to remove or change it.

In this article, learn more about hydrocolloid dressings, including how they work, how to apply them, and how people can use them for acne.

Hydrocolloid dressings, bandages, and patches are products that help people cover and protect wounds. The term “hydrocolloid” refers to the special ingredients in these products that turn into a gel when they mix with liquids.

Hydrocolloid dressings, bandages, and patches have two layers. The inner layer absorbs substances that seep out of wounds, such as pus.

The outer layer is a film, a foam, or a combination of both. It forms a seal to prevent bacteria and debris from getting into the wound.

Hydrocolloid dressings can be non-permeable or semipermeable. Non-permeable bandages do not allow air or moisture inside, while semipermeable ones allow air inside but not moisture.

How do hydrocolloid dressings work?

The term “hydrocolloid” refers to a group of substances that are soluble in water and can thicken liquids. In hydrocolloid dressings, companies may use gelatin or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the hydrocolloid agent.

When a wound secretes fluid, the hydrocolloid mixes with it to form a gel. According to older research from 1993Trusted Source, this helps with wound healing by creating a moist environment that protects any new tissue the body is growing.

A 2014 reviewTrusted Source notes that hydrocolloid dressings also:

facilitate the body’s breakdown of damaged tissue

encourage the formation of connective tissue and collagen

maintain a consistent temperature around the wound

maintain an acidic pH level in the wound, which reduces bacterial growth

provide a barrier against bacteria from the environment, reducing the risk of infection

Uses for hydrocolloid dressings

Hydrocolloid dressings provide wound care for the following:

surface wounds

skin ulcers

first and second degree burns

abrasions, or wounds from scraping

donor sites

Moreover, doctors may use them to protect undamaged skin that is at risk of developing a wound, or skin that is just starting to show damage from friction.

People also use hydrocolloid patches for acne.

Comparison with other dressings

There is not much research on how hydrocolloid dressings compare with other types of dressings. However, the research that does exist suggests they may have unique benefits in certain situations.

Pressure sores

The authors of a 2014 reviewTrusted Source compared the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings with dressings for treating pressure sores.

After evaluating nine studies, they did not find enough evidence to prove that hydrocolloid dressings offered superior benefits.

Skin surgery

Research from 2021 examined whether a one-time hydrocolloid dressing following skin surgery resulted in better outcomes than conventional daily dressings.

The authors conclude that the hydrocolloid dressing may improve scar appearance and potentially provide more comfort and convenience.

Skin grafts

An older 2011 study involving 62 participants compared the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings with traditional dressings for treating skin grafts. The results indicate that hydrocolloid dressings are effective in securing skin grafts and link to lower complication rates and shorter treatment times.

Overall, more research is necessary to verify whether hydrocolloid bandages are better than other wound dressings for certain conditions.

Are hydrocolloid patches good for acne?

Hydrocolloid bandages and patches have become a popular remedy for acne. Proponents claim the dressings can absorb pus inside the pore, speeding up healing and reducing the size of the spot.

Additionally, covering acne with patches or dressings prevents a person from popping or picking it, which may protect the skin from further damage.

An older 2006 clinical trialTrusted Source compared the effects of hydrocolloid dressings with skin tapes for acne treatment. The trial involved 20 participants who applied the dressings or tapes every other day for up to 1 week.

The participants who used the hydrocolloid dressings showed a statistically significant larger reduction in inflammation and acne severity. They also experienced considerably more improvement in oiliness and pigmentation. This is when the skin around the wound becomes darker.

The authors conclude that hydrocolloid dressing may improve mild to moderate inflammatory acne. However, as this was a very small trial, further research is necessary to confirm whether this type of dressing is an effective way to speed healing.

Can you use hydrocolloid patches with other acne treatments?

Hydrocolloid products contain an absorbent ingredient. Therefore, it is best not to use them immediately after applying other acne treatment, as the patch or dressing may absorb it.

Instead, people can apply acne treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, after they remove the hydrocolloid patch.

Individuals may wish to ask a dermatologist to recommend a treatment regimen for them.

How to use hydrocolloid patches

How people use hydrocolloid dressings, bandages, and patches depends on the situation and the type of product they are using.

For wounds, it is best to follow the instructions on the packet. Alternatively, a person can ask a healthcare professional for guidance.

For acne treatment, hydrocolloid patches can be the most convenient option, as they are small and may help make the acne less visible. These patches may work best on acne lesions that are near the surface of the skin, particularly if the lesion has a “head,” which is an opening that allows it to drain.

To use:

Gently cleanse the skin. Do not scrub or rub the acne.

Pat dry with a clean towel or face cloth. Make sure the skin is completely dry.

Take one patch and apply it to the spot, sticky side down. Press for a few seconds to secure it.

Leave on until the patch turns white.

When a person removes the patch, the spot may look flatter, less inflamed, and less swollen. If necessary, they can apply another patch to absorb more pus, or leave it to heal on its own.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects from hydrocolloid dressings appear unlikely. The participants in the 2006 clinical trialTrusted Source on the use of hydrocolloid for acne did not have any side effects.

However, skin irritation may be a possibility, as it is with all topical products. If any irritation occurs, individuals should remove the patch immediately and wash the skin to remove any leftover adhesive.

Summary

Hydrocolloid dressings, bandages, and patches create a moist yet protective environment that fosters skin healing. They do this through the use of a hydrocolloid, which is a substance that can absorb liquids and turn them into a gel.

Healthcare professionals use hydrocolloid dressings to care for an array of wounds, such as pressure sores and abrasions. Some people also use smaller hydrocolloid patches to treat acne. An older 2006 clinical trialTrusted Source indicates these patches may offer various benefits for healing acne lesions, reducing inflammation and pigmentation.

To use hydrocolloid dressings, people can follow the instructions on the product label. If any irritation occurs or if a person’s acne is too deep or severe to benefit from hydrocolloid patches, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Original Article: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hydrocolloid#summary