Open areas of skin, such as scraps and oozing pimples heal best in moist, sealed environments. Hydrocolloid bandages, patches, and dressings can be used for this purpose. Hydrocolloid dressings contain ingredients that form a gel when they mix with bodily fluids, such as pus. Hydrocolloid dressings are available in a variety of formats.
What does a hydrocolloid patch look like?
The ones made for acne or just big enough to cover a pimple. They come on a sheet with multiple patches, or stickers. Some patches are clear and hardly visible on your skin. Others are more noticeable.
How do hydrocolloid dressings work?
The term “hydrocolloid” refers to a group of substances that are soluble in water and can thicken liquids. In hydrocolloid dressings, companies may use gelatin or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the hydrocolloid agent.
When a wound secrets fluid, the hydrocolloid mixes with it to form a gel. According to older research from 1933, this helps with wound healing by creating a moist environment that protects any new tissue the body is growing.
A 2014 review notes that hydrocolloid dressings also:
Facilities the body’s breakdown of damaged tissue
Encourage the formation of connective tissue and collagen
Maintain a consistent temperature around the wound
Maintain an acidic PH level in the wound, which reduces bacterial growth
Provide a barrier against bacteria from the environment, reducing the risk of infection
When to use hydrocolloid bandages
Hydrocolloid bandages are meant to be used on open, superficial wounds and on oozing or opened pimples. They’re self-adhesive and waterproof, so they’ll remain in place during bathing.
Hydrocolloid bandages can be used for:
First- or second-degree burns
Abrasions, such as skinned knees or road rash
Popped pimples
Open blisters, cysts, or sores
Diabetic foot ulcers
Bed sores
Comparisons with other dressings
There is not much research on how hydrocolloid dressings compare with other types of dressings. However, the research that does exist suggests they may have unique benefits in certain situations.
Pressure sores
The author of a 2014 review compared the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings with dressings for treating pressure sores. After evaluating nine studies, they did not find enough evidence to prove that hydrocolloid dressings offered superior benefits.
Skin surgery
Research from 2021 examined whether a one-time hydrocolloid dressing following skin surgery resulted in better outcomes than conventional daily dressings. The authors conclude that the hydrocolloid dressing may improve scar appearance and potentially provide more comfort and convenience.
Skin grafts
An older 2011 study involving 62 participants compared the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings with traditional dressings for treating skin grafts. The results indicate that hydrocolloid dressings are effective in securing skin grafts and link to lower complication rates and shorter treatment times. Overall, more research is necessary to verify whether hydrocolloid bandages are better than other wound dressings for certain conditions. To get information about lesions on the skin’s face.
Who shouldn’t use a Hydrocolloid patch?
If you have really sensitive skin, you may want to steer clear of pimple patches. They might dry out or irritate the affected area. If you have dirt from college pores, blackheads, or whiteheads, hydrocolloids can’t treat these. They are also not effective for cystic acne. And they can’t prevent flare-ups. If you find
Alternatives
Your options include:
Cleansers:
Look for face washes with alpha hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur. These are known to help with acne. Wash your face only twice a day.
Topical medication:
Prescription and over-the-counter creams, gels, and lotion may help. Look for ones that contain ingredients like adapalene, azelaic acid, dapsone, retinoic acid, tretinoin, and terifarotene.
Injections:
Your doctor may give you steroid shots in the affected areas to help acne clear up.
Oral medicines:
Your doctor may consider an androgen receptor blocker to block androgen hormones from glands that make oil. One example is spironolactone (Aldactone). Your doctor may suggest an oral contraceptive (birth control) that helps with your acne if you need to prevent pregnancy as well. They may recommend isotretinoin (Absorica, Zenatane) if other treatments haven’t helped.
Antibiotics:
You can apply topical clindamycin, erythromycin, or minocycline directly to the skin. Your doctor may want you to take an antibiotic pill, too.
