Besides absorbing exudates, hydrocolloid patches exhibit useful characteristics in facilitating the right wound-healing process in the following ways.
How Do Hydrocolloid Patches Work?
The Hydrocolloid patches are thus a type of bandage that is applied over the wounds and which do therefore help in the healing process. There exist gels that have a gelatinous base and when applied to the wound, form a coat that favors quick healing of the injury. Hydrocolloid patches are relatively clear and adherent for dressing so they can be used as wound dressings because they are also permeable, water-proof, and pliant.
(1) Protecting the wound: Hydrocolloid patches ensure that the wound is protected from bacteria, water, as well as other agents that are responsible for the formation of complications.
(2) Promoting a moist environment: Hydrocolloid patches remain moist. This is beneficial since part or the whole injured area has to be moist to heal and form tissues.
(3) Absorbing excess fluid: Other definitive dressings like the hydrocolloid patches do not come into contact regularly with the fluid since they absorb a large amount of fluid and do not cause maceration.
(4) Reducing friction: Comfort is further improved with hydrocolloid patches which do not cause skin irritation hence the user can wear the product for a longer time.
Benefits of Hydrocolloid Patches
(1) Faster healing: Hydrophilic colloid bandages create a moist environment around the affected area which is suitable for the development of the new skin layer.
(2) Reduced scarring: Because of the properties of hydrocolloid patches there is lesser scarring to the skin hence healthy skin tissue replaces the damaged ones.
(3) Comfortable: Hydrocolloid patches are semi-occlusive, and this indicates that they are convenient for use in comparison to other standard categories of patches.
(4) Waterproof: Hydrocolloid patches are also, for example, inexplorable as they can be applied to moist areas as they are water-proof.
