Do hydrocolloid dressings reduce pain?
Pain is a feature of superficial wounds, such as skin graft donor sites, particularly at dressing changes. One prospective randomized trial compared parafin gauze and a hydrocolloid dressing, applied on donor sites. The results showed that the hydrocolloid is a less painful dressing than parafin gauze, as well as achieving faster healing of skin graft donor sites [1]. In another study, which involved patients with lacerations, abrasions and minor operation incisions, compared a hydrocolloid dressing with a non-adherent dressing. While time to heal was similar for both groups, patients using the hydrocolloid experienced less pain, required less analgesia and were able to carry out their normal daily activities including bathing or showering without affecting the dressing or the wound. [2] The precise mechanism involved in the hydrocolloid ability to reduce pain is not fully understood, but some possible explanations have been discussed. [3] Reference 1: Cadier M. A., Clarke J. A. Dermas
