In contact with wound exudate, the polysaccharides and other polymers absorb water and swell, forming a gel.
[4] The moist conditions produced under the dressing are intended to promote fibrinolysis, angiogenesis and wound healing, without causing softening and breaking down of tissue.
The gel which is formed as a result of the absorption of wound exudate is held in place within the structure of the adhesive matrix.
[10] There is tentative but unclear evidence for hydrocolloid dressings for superficial and partial thickness burns.
[11] Hydrocolloid dressings were, however, superior to other substrates (i.e., alginate, film, gauze, hydrofiber, silicone) for treating skin graft donor sites.