Hydrogels are water- or glycerin-based wound dressings that come in sheets, gels or impregnated gauzes. Hydrogels swell and are able to absorb small amounts of fluids. They are also able to add moisture to dry wounds. Water-based hydrogels may dry easily. Hydrogels can decrease wound pain due to their cooling effect upon application. Most hydrogels are non-adhesive and require a secondary dressing.

Indications

Sheet hydrogels can only be used for minimally or moderately draining wounds. They may be used on superficial and partial-thickness wounds, including abrasions, blisters, donor sites, thermal burns, diabetic ulcers, surgery sites, and skin tears. Sheet hydrogels can also be used to provide padding within total contact casts and splints to decrease shear forces and pressure. Amorphous hydrogels are used on dry wounds to create a moist wound environment and are available in spray bottles or tubes. Hydrogels are very effective softening hardened eschar to facilitate the process of autolytic debridement.

Source: woundeducators.com