Hydrogel Wound Dressings & Fillers

A hydrogel dressing is an innovative way to care for a wound. They are also sometimes referred to as “hydrated polymer dressings.” This is because they contain up to 90% water in a hydrogel wound gel base. Hydrogel wound dressings are designed this way in order to regulate the exchange of fluids on the wound’s surface. Hydrogel wound care can absorb small amounts of water and also add moisture to the wound to promote healing. There are several types of these dressings available. These include gels, sheets, impregnated gauze, and packing strips, all designed to make wound care easier.

Applying a hydrogel wound dressing is easy. Start by thoroughly washing and drying your hands. Then clean the wound with saline or a cleanser designed for cleaning wounds, and gently pat it dry. If using a hydrogel sheet or hydrogel strips, you will need to cut them to fit the wound. Cover the wound with the dressing, and then secure it in place with gauze or a secondary dressing. Hydrogel dressings should be changed between one and seven days. Change more often for wounds that have a lot of drainage, or less often for dry wounds.

There are many instances in which hydrogel wound dressings are useful. Mainly, there are two types of wounds in which you should not use this type of dressing. These are full-thickness burns and wounds with a large amount of drainage.

Hydrogel dressing pads are ideal for wounds that are dry or slightly moist. This includes partial and full-thickness wounds, skin tears, minor burns, lacerations, and abrasions. For people with underlying health concerns, hydrogel dressings can be used on necrotic tissue, radiation damage to the skin, skin ulcers, skin graft sites, and surgical wounds. Because they do not stick to wounds, hydrogel wound dressings are also ideal for painful wounds. Removal and replacement are less painful than other types of bandages that can stick to wounds.

There are several advantages to hydrogel wound dressings. They do not stick to skin or wounds, which makes them a good option for painful wounds where sticking would otherwise be a problem. These dressings are cooling and soothing, which is especially nice for burns. They can be used on wounds that are infected where other dressings may not work as well. In cases of necrotic tissue or eschar, these dressings hydrate tissue and promote debridement. Hydrogel wound dressings also promote healing and the formulation of healthy epithelial tissue. Because they are non-occlusive, hydrogel dressings allow wounds to “breathe.” Gas exchange on the wound’s surface reduces the risk of infection and further promotes healing.

Wound filler is designed to maintain moisture within a wound and help manage fluid drainage. These products are considered a secondary dressing. Typically, they are used to treat wounds that are infected, wounds that are draining, or deep wounds that require packing as they heal. There are many different types of wound filler available. Gels such as SoloSite Gel are a common option. Hydrophilic powder fillers like the Multidex powder wound filler are another option. You’ll also find creams, foams, ointments, pads, beads, and other types of wound fillers depending on your needs.

Hydrogel dressing pads work similarly to hydrogel wound dressings. To apply one, you must first thoroughly wash and dry your hands. Use saline or a cleanser to clean the wound and pat it dry. Follow package instructions for application. You will likely need to remove the pad’s protective film before applying. Make sure you apply the correct side against the wound. Once in place, apply a secondary dressing like gauze to hold the hydrogel dressing pad in place. You’ll need to change the pad every one to seven days depending on instructions and the level of drainage from the wound. Wounds that drain more will need to be redressed more often.