Hydrocol II Wound Dressings

The hydrocolloid dressing material interacts with the wound exudate to form a soft gel that helps create and maintain an optimal moist wound-healing environment. Hydrocol^® II absorbs excess exudate to help prevent the over-accumulation of fluid. The dressing also protects the wound from exogenous bacteria, urine, feces, and other contamination.

Studies reveal that Hydrocol^® II’s unique formulation provides absorption and moisture vapor transfer capabilities superior to those of leading hydrocolloid dressings currently available.

The borders on Hydrocol^® II and Hydrocol^® II Sacral are tapered to improve conformability and reduce shear, thus helping to keep the dressings from rolling back at the edges. Hydrocol^® II Sacral is specially shaped to conform with the contours of the sacral area and features a unique flexible "hinge" to ensure secure application.

Hydrocol^® II dressings are indicated for the following type of wounds:

• Dermal wounds, including full-thickness wounds.
• Pressure ulcers, Stages I through IV.
• Leg ulcers.
• Superficial wounds and abrasions.
• Trauma wounds.
• Surgical wounds.

Hydrocol^® II is not indicated for use on third-degree burns or on individuals with known sensitivity to the dressing or its components.

Color of Gel: The gel formed under the Hydrocol^® II dressing appears yellow in color.

Odor: Wounds, particularly those that are large or necrotic, are ofetn accompanied by a disagreeable odor. This is not necessarily indicative of an infection. The odor should disappear when the wound is cleansed.

Increased Wound Size: The wound may increase in size during debridement. This may be a normal part of the healing process as necrotic debris is cleaned away. Do not stop the treatment, since the wound should gradually reduce in size.

Infection: If signs of clinical infection should develop, a bacterial culture of the wound site should be taken. Such signs would include an uncharacteristic odor, a change in exudate color, a fever, or cellulitis (tenderness and erythema in the wound area).

If infection is present, appropriate medical treatment should be initiated. Hydrocol^® II dressings may be continued during the course of treatment at the discretion of the clinician.

Storage: Hydrocol^® II dressings should be stored in a cool, dry area. Sterility is guaranteed unless the product package has been opened or damaged.

Preparing the Wound Area
Before applying a Hydrocol^® II dressing:

1. Thoroughly rinse or irrigate the wound area with saline or an appropriate cleansing solution. The periwound area should be clean and dry to ensure optimal adherence.
2. A skin prep may be used on the periwound area to increase the adherence and wear time of the dressing.
3. While Hydrocol^® II facilitates autolytic debridement, eschar that is particularly thick or attached to the wound margins should be removed prior to application of the dressing.

Dressing the Wound
Select a dressing size that allows the dressing to extend beyond the wound margin by at least one inch on all sides. Dressings may be overlapped or trimmed with scissors to accomodate the wound.

Hydrocol^® II dressings are sterile and should handled appropriately.

Applying Hydrocol^® II & Hydrocol^® II Thin Dressing

1. Break open the backing paper by folding the dressing back over itself along the cut in the backing.
2. Hold the dressing by the side with the smaller release backing. With the other hand, separate backing paper from the hydrocolloid. Remove the larger backing paper first, pulling it back over the dressing and being careful not to touch the wound contact surface of the dressing.
3. With the smaller release backing still on the dressing, center the dressing over the wound site and apply. Be careful not to touch the wound contact surface of the dressing.
4. Remove the remaining backing paper by peeling the backing paper back under itself.
5. Smoothing out all wrinkles, place hand over the dressing and apply slight pressure for 30 to 40 seconds to warm the dressing and enhance adherence.

Applying Hydrocol^® II Sacral Dressing

1. Fold the dressing down the center crease and back onto itself (backing paper should be facing out). Separate the backing paper from only one side of the dressing and peel off. Be careful not to touch the wound contact surface of the dressing.
2. With the dressing still folded, center and place the hinge in the coccygeal fold. Apply slight pressure to the side without the backing paper to obtain adherence.
3. Remove the backing paper for the other half of the dressing and secure in place.
4. Smoothing out all wrinkles, place hand over the dressing and apply slight pressure for 30 to 40 seconds to warm the dressing and enhance adherence.

Dressing Removal
To remove the dressings:

1. Starting at one corner of the dressing, press down on the skin and carefully peel back the dressing. Continue this process around the dressing untill all edges are free of the skin.
2. Carefully wash or irrigate the wound to remove any residue. Apply a new dressing as described above.

Dressing Changes
Hydrocol^® II dressings should be changed after they have been in place for a maximum of seven days. However, they should be changed immediately when they reach full absorbency or when there is leakage. Used dressings should be disposed of per local regulations.