Hydrocolloid dressing is a gel bandage that when applied to a wound, removes excess tissue, protects the injury and keeps the wound moist. Hydrocolloid dressings are used to treat burns, cuts and other abrasions on the skin. If your doctor has recommended a hydrocolloid dressing for your injury, you may be required to change the hydrocolloid dressing yourself as the wound heals. If your doctor has given you directions on how to change your dressing, follow her directions exactly. Your doctor will also tell you how often to change the bandage, which is generally every few days.

Supplies and Preparation

Wash your hands with soap and water, then collect the materials needed to change the old dressing and apply the new one. You will need a clean towel and washcloth, rubber gloves, soap and water, sterile scissors, paper medical tape, gauze pads, plastic trash bag and the hydrocolloid dressing. Place all the ingredients on a clean surface, then wash your hands again with soap and water.

Removing the Old Dressing

Put on rubber gloves and gently remove the old dressing. Hydrocolloid dressings do not stick to the wound, so you should be able to easily remove the bandage from your skin. Place the old dressing into the plastic trash bag and dab the wound with gauze. Place the gauze into the trash bag. Wet the washcloth with warm water and soap, then gently dab the wound to clean it. Rinse the washcloth, then dab the wound gently with the washcloth until it is clean. Dab the wound dry with a towel. If the wound has pus, is red around the edges, feels hot or is accompanied by a fever, contact your doctor. If the wound is healing properly, you can apply a new hydrocolloid dressing to the wound. Before applying, place all gauze and the old dressing into the plastic trash bag, seal the bag and discard. Wash the towel and washcloth in hot water.

Applying the New Dressing

Wash your hands with soap and water, then open the packaged hydrocolloid dressing. Cut the dressing to the size of the wound, allowing 1/4 inch of excess bandage on each side. If you are placing the dressing on your tailbone, the Ohio State University Medical Center suggests using slightly more excess dressing to prevent the bandage from wrinkling and falling off. When the dressing is the correct size, gently pull the paper from the sticky side of the bandage and carefully apply to the skin, smoothing out any wrinkles in the bandage. Discard the dressing packaging and put all supplies away, then wash your hands with soap and water.

Source:

Ohio State University Medical Center: Hydrocolloid Dressing

World Wide Wounds: Hydrocolloid FAQ

Resource:

DermnetNZ.org: Wound Dressings