Hydrocolloids in wound management: pros and cons.

Hydrocolloids are interactive dressings which are well established in wound management. Because of their sophisticated composition, they can be used to manage a variety of wound types, from clean and granulating to sloughy and necrotic. While they may be more expensive per item than many other modern dressings, if used correctly they can be cost-effective, as they have a longer wear time. Hydrocolloid formulations appear to be changing and improving with ongoing research by manufacturers, but a significant limitation appears to be sensitivity reactions. Dressings that would benefit from improvement are those containing gelatin, and those containing colophony within the adhesive matrix. These known sensitizers are largely unpublicised, but can produce serious side effects in some individuals.