Product Overview Hydrogels come in gels, sheet dressings and gauzes.
In addition to maintaining moisture in the wound bed, they promote the formation of epithelial cells and granulation tissue.
They also assist in the process of autolytic debridement.
Amorphous hydrogels vary in thickness and viscosity, and may come in tubes, sprays, or foil packages.
Impregnated gauze hydrogels and sheet hydrogels are also widely available; the sheet hydrogels consist of thin fiber mesh and hydrogel.
Indications * Partial and full-thickness wounds * Necrotic wounds * Minor burns * Dry or minimally draining ulcers * Skin tears * Abrasions * 1st and 2nd degree burns * Radiation burns * Donor sites Contraindications * Sheet hydrogels should not be used on infected wounds * Do not use hydrogel for moderate to heavily exudation wounds Advantages * Help to reduce pain * Keeps the wound bed moist * Facilitates autolytic debridement * Easy to remove from the wound bed (does not stick) * Can be used even when wounds are infected (not sheet hydrogels) * Can be removed without trauma to the wound * Can eliminate the need for surgical debridement * Can be used to fill dead space in large wounds Disadvantages * Some hydrogel dressings may be hard to secure in place * Use of a secondary dressing may be necessary, adding to cost * Maceration of surrounding healthy tissue may occur * Hydrogels dry up if not covered * Do not absorb fluids; cannot be used on exudating wounds As can be seen, hydrogels can be used on a wide variety of wounds and come in a variety of delivery sources.
They are easy to apply and remove, and studies find that few patients experience pain with dressing changes when hydrogel is used.
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Reference: Hess, CT.
(2002) Clinical Guide: Wound Care.
Fourth Edition.