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Abstract
Hydrocolloid dressings have been In use for more than 20 years. They are indicated for the treatment of granulating, superficial wounds with low to moderate exudate. There are a number of hydrocolloid dressings available, one of which is Comfeel Plus Ulcer Dressing. This differs from the others by combining a hydrocolloid with calcium alginate In Its formulation to increase the absorptive capacity. This article examines another product of the Comfeel Plus range, Comfeel Plus Transparent Dressing (Coloplast AIS) and describes a small evaluation of the product. The conclusion Is that Comfeel Plus Transparent Dressing performs well in terms of healing, compliance, adherence and flexibility. Furthermore, it is transparent and It is therefore possible to follow the wound healing process without removing the dressing.
Hydrocolloids have been in use successfully for more than 20 years (Thomas, 1992). They are easy to use, require changing only every 3-5 days, and usually do not cause trauma on removal. This makes them useful in the treatment of clean, granulating, superficial wounds with low to moderate exudate (Thomas, 1992). Also, hydrocolloids provide effective occlusion, and in dry wounds they can have a softening effect (Thomas, 1992), which is relevant in the debridement of necrotic and doughy tissue (Pudner, 2001).
Kim et al (1996) have established that hydrocolloid dressings are more cost-effective than other more traditional dressings such as a gel or paste placed on a shallow doughy wound and then overlaid with a non-adherent dressing. The pads and tape are an additional cost.
Depending on the condition of the wound, hydrocolloids can be left in place for up to 7 days without the need for a secondary dressing, thereby reducing significantly nursing time and the cost of materials (Kim et al, 1996). If a hydrocolloid dressing needs to be changed daily as a result of heavy wound exudate, the wound should be reassessed as a more suitable dressing with higher absorbency is required (Pudner, 2001).
All types of hydrocolloid dressings have an outer waterproof layer that excludes atmospheric oxygen, liquids and bacteria, as well as protecting the wound from contaminants. They can also reduce the risk of...