Those of us who carefully read food labels come across (at first glance meaningless) such names as locust bean gum, xanthan gum, agar and carrageenan. Whereas, these substances are added to food to give it proper consistency - gelling, thickening and stabilizing.

These substances can be of natural (plant or animal) or synthetic origin. Collectively, they are known as hydrocolloids and are responsible for the taste, appearance and texture of our favorite food.

Unique properties of hydrocolloids have also found their application in medicine. Taking into account the fact that they are neutral, non-toxic to living organisms and the finished product is stable, they are an ideal component of various types of wound dressings.

The same properties of hydrocolloids that we value when using pectin to make jelly for a cheesecake, i.e. such as thickening / gelling of the product can be observed while applying a hydrocolloid dressing to the wound, because it binds water, transforming it into a gel, thanks to the ability to retain moisture in its branched and polymer structure. This ability is limited, because the task of the hydrocolloid dressing is not to absorb exudate, but to maintain a moist environment, which promotes the wound healing process. It is worth mentioning here that clinical trials have shown that wounds treated in a humid environment heal on average 50% faster than wounds treated in a dry environment with ordinary gauze dressings. *

The structure of the hydrocolloid dressing is very simple - the base (usually polyurethane) is covered with a hydrocolloid layer. Hydrocolloid dressings are widely used in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds, such as: pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, and diabetic feet. However, they can also be used to treat less demanding wounds, which can also be very painful.

Hydrocolloid dressings have a number of advantages:

• low frequency of changing - hydrocolloid technology allows the product to remain on the wound for a very long time, up to 7 days;
• water resistance - you can carry out normal hygienic activities such as bathing, showering etc;
• fit to the body anatomy - thanks to the high elasticity of the material;
• protection of nerve endings - pain relief, alleviation of burning sensation and pain.

We invite you to experience the unique advantages of the Comfort PLUS, hydrocolloid bladder dressing. It has all the benefits of hydrocolloids to ensure safe treatment in a humid environment.

* ©️ Nature Publishing Group, 20 01 1962, vol. 193