Description:
This dressing provides a moist healing environment that allows clean non-infected wounds to granulate and necrotic wounds to debride. Hydrocolloidals are occlusive or semi-occlusive. Some leave a residue in the wound and others may adhere to the skin around the wound.

They are used as a primary or secondary dressing. Useful in the management of select pressure ulcers, partial and full thickness wounds. Also used for wounds with necrosis or slough. The wounds can have light to moderate exudate.

Advantages:
Impermeable to bacteria and other contamiants.
Facilitates autolytic debridement.
Are self adhesive and mold well.
Provides light to moderate absorption.
Minimize skin trauma and disruption of healing.
May be used under compression products such as stockings, wraps, Unna or Duke boot, and compression pumps.

Disadvantages:
Not recommended for wounds with heavy exudate, sinus tracts, or infected wounds.
May tear fragile surrounding tissue when removed.
Not transparent so could not see wound.
May be displaced if exudate is heavy.
Not recommended for wounds which need to monitored closely.
Most occlusive dressings limit gas exchange between wound and environment.
Wafers may curl at edges.

Change Frequency:
Change every 3 to 7 days.