The number of non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses increased to 2.8 million in 2019—fifteen thousand three hundred eighty cases of cuts, lacerations, or punctures in the manufacturing sector alone. There were many instances where workers had to take time off work due to these problems.
Another study in 2018 found that 8.2 million Medicare patients suffered from wounds. Their treatment costs ranged from $28.1 billion to $96.4 billion—the highest costs related to surgical wounds and diabetic foot ulcers.
Many of these wounds can heal using hydrocolloid dressings. Several studies have shown that these products can help you recover faster after such trauma.
How exactly do hydrocolloids work? In what ways do they benefit wound healing?
You'll find all the answers to all these questions related to broader foam dressing in this guide, so keep reading!
What Is Hydrocolloid dressing?
Hydrocolloid refers to a substance composed of colloid and water (hydro). There are a variety of colloids, including emulsions, gels, and gums. The food industry uses colloids the most (think of Jell-O, for example).
In the medical industry, hydrocolloids often serve as broader foam dressing. Various products are available, including bands, pastes, powders, and wafers. A hydrocolloid dressing facilitates moist wound healing, aids exudate management, facilitates autolytic debridement, and alleviates pain.
As a primary dressing, they can also relieve Category/Stage I or II pressure ulcers, shallow Category/Stage III or IV pressure ulcers, and newly formed skin.
What is the function of hydrocolloid dressings?
Dressings with hydrocolloid agents form gels when they are exposed to wound fluid. In this way, the jelly-like mass nourishes the wound by keeping it moist. Their hydrophilic particles can also absorb exudates (liquids produced by wounds).
There are two main "ingredients" in hydrocolloid bandages: hydrocolloids and adhesive carriers. In this way, dressings can self-adhere. It is not necessary to use adhesive sheets for hydrocolloid pastes to work. The cavity fills by applying them directly to the wound.
Hydrocolloid products are very absorbent but can become saturated over time despite being extremely absorbent. There may be some fluid leakage from the dressing when this happens. Whenever this occurs (or before), the dressing should be replaced.
This review is on hydrocolloid dressings, composed of a layer of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (or similar materials when wet) bonded to a vapor-permeable film or foam pad.
As a result of their occlusive properties, these dressings absorb moisture and maintain a moist wound environment.
How Can Hydrocolloids dressings Help for Injuries?
These dressings can be applied to wounds with light to moderate exudates. As a result, they primarily serve doctors to treat pressure sores. Also, they help treat minor burns and scalds, and traumatic wounds.
A study even showed that hydrocolloid dressings were effective in treating diaper rash. A hydrocolloid treatment had the fastest healing rate for infants. The parents of hydrocolloid-treated babies also reported a high level of satisfaction.
Is hydrocolloid dressing effective in treating wounds?
The moist environment provided by hydrocolloids can allow wounds to heal faster. Furthermore, they prevent the wound from becoming infected by external factors. They can also ease the pain that skin injuries usually cause.
It heals wounds more quickly.
A moist environment promotes wound healing, according to health experts. Dehydration can be prevented in this case by keeping the injured areas moisturized. Angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels, also appears to be boosted.
Moist wounds can also produce more collagen. The protein collagen attracts fibroblasts and is essential for wound healing. Fibroblasts, on the other hand, are cells in connective tissues that provide tissues with structure.
Therefore, moisture can promote new tissue growth by enhancing collagen synthesis.
Hydrocolloids, which maintain a moist environment around wounds, can assist in this way. Researchers report that they have the potential to reduce healing times by up to 40%.
Compared to traditional treatments like cleaning wounds, these are more effective. Hydrocolloid dressings are a good idea if your wounds are slow to heal.
Reduces infection risk
About 1,000 different species of bacteria live on the surface of the human body. In addition to the beneficial components, some are "pathogenic," or those which can cause disease. The reason why minor wounds can become infected is that they are not taken care of right away.
An impermeable dressing like a hydrocolloid can help reduce the risk of infection. Because of this, they can cover wounds and keep them safe from external factors. They were wearing these dressings while washing or showering is okay.
Save money on wound treatment.
Depending on the level of exudates, you must replace a hydrocolloid dressing after a certain period. If they become saturated with wound fluids, you should replace them immediately. A hydrocolloid dressing, however, can stay in place for about four to seven days.
The long-lasting nature of the dressing can help reduce the need to replace it frequently. You may be able to reduce your wound treatment costs as a result.
Also, hydrocolloids can accelerate wound healing. Injuries to the skin heal faster if you treat them as soon as possible.
Pain Relief for Injuries
A study found that hydrocolloid dressings are also effective at relieving the pain associated with wounds. By speeding up wound healing, they can achieve this goal. Furthermore, they are more discreet than traditional bandages.
As another method for easing wound pain, hydrocolloids limit dressing changes. If you have to change bandages often, it can be painful to remove adhesives. The longer-lasting nature of hydrocolloid products facilitates the reduction of wound pain incidents.
Improve autolytic debridement
Certain hydrocolloid dressings also contribute to the enhancement of autolytic debridement. A debridement technique with autolytic enzymes and fluids softens "bad" tissues by using the body's fluids and enzymes.
The purpose of wound cleaning is to remove necrotic and dead tissues from wounds. This is why hydrocolloids are also beneficial for treating diabetes wounds. Ultimately, foot ulcers heal themselves in moist environments. Hydrocolloids can also protect them from infections because they are prone to them.
Hydrocolloid dressings accelerate wound healing.
A hydrocolloid dressing can treat various wounds, including cuts and diaper rashes. Furthermore, they can speed up recovery, resulting in less pain and expense. They can also help prevent wound infections since they provide a protective barrier.
Hydrocolloids are the best wound care products for your skin
Are you ready to get faster healing and less pain from your wounds? Visit our wound care products section for a variety of wound care products.