Compeed® bandages are hydrocolloid bandages
A hydrocolloid bandage contains a gel to absorb fluid from the wound (called exudate), creating and maintaining a moist environment that promotes healing.
There are several types of hydrocolloid cushions that treat different types of uninfected wounds. Hydrocolloid bandages can be used on:
- Blisters
- Corns and calluses
- Low exudate wounds
- Spots and pimples
- Bedsores
- Superficial burns
- Leg ulcers.
In this article:
- Hydrocolloid technology: mode of action in Compeed® products
- Why does healing in a moist environment with Compeed® promote healing?
- Compeed® Hydrocolloid Technology
- How does a hydrocolloid bandage such as Compeed® act on a blister?
- How do hydrocolloid bandages relieve your wound, corn or callus at all stages of development?
Hydrocolloid technology: mode of action in Compeed® products
The Compeed® range of hydrocolloid cushions are specifically designed to relieve the pain of blisters, corns, calluses and bunions. Each Compeed® bandage is generally designed for a specific area of the body (heel, toe and sole of the foot). The hydrocolloid cushion technology used in these bandages protects the skin against friction and pressure thanks to its cushioning effect, which relieves pain and creates an optimal healing environment or in the case of corns, helps removal. Compeed® bandages act like a second skin, to support the natural moisture balance, and must remain in place to optimize the healing process.
Why does healing in a moist environment with Compeed® promote healing?
Healing in a dry environment:
When a wound is left open or treated with a regular bandage, healing takes place in a dry environment. After a wound has occurred, the healing process is immediately initiated: after stopping any bleeding, the blood vessels dilate to release fluid (exudate) and a number of cells needed to clean the wound and repair the lesion. Thus resulting in a moist environment that is more conducive to the functioning and development of the cells responsible for the healing process. At the end of this phase, the vessels will contract stopping the leakage of liquid or exudate. This will cause the wound to dry out and promote the formation of a thick crust (scab) in order to protect the wound from external infections. In a dry environment, healing must therefore take place under this crust, which slows down the process because the cells involved in the healing process need moisture for their functioning and regeneration. Healing in a dry environment is slow and can be more painful.
Healing in a moist environment:
The hydrocolloid bandage absorbs fluid and also allows for moisture exchange outside of the bandage to keep the wound moist whilst protecting it. This moist environment allows “cleansing” cells to move more easily to the wound, reducing local inflammation and promoting the formation of collagen, a component of the skin. The cells involved in the healing process develop better in a moist environment, and therefore heals faster than a dry environment. This helps to prevent the formation of a thick crust, thus reducing the risk of scarring.
Compeed® Hydrocolloid Technology
How does a hydrocolloid bandage such as Compeed® act on a blister?
A blister is a type of wound and the hydrocolloid technology will therefore help it to heal fast.
- The bandage contains hydrocolloid particles. These hydrocolloid particles are distributed throughout the bandage and absorb fluid from the wound (exudate). They maintain an optimal moisture level to promote healing. During use, the hydrocolloid particles swell which creates a cushioning effect, redistributing pressure and providing instant pain relief.
- The hydrocolloid bandage is composed of a polyurethane film. It is flexible and adapts to the surface to be covered to help mobility. It protects the wound from external bacteria, thus preventing the risk of infection.
- The bandage, while being water-resistant outside the wound, allows excess wound fluid to evaporate from the wound and allows the skin to breathe.
Compeed® bandages have bevelled edges to maximise adhesion to the skin. They act like a second skin and remain in place for several days*.
*Duration may vary depending on the individual
How do hydrocolloid bandages relieve your wound, corn or callus at all stages of development?
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To prevent blisters and other calluses:
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Blisters: to prevent blisters, if you wear new shoes, play sports, haven’t worn shoes in a while or stand all day long.
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Corns and calluses: to prevent the formation of corns, in order to limit friction and pressure.
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As soon as the first signs of discomfort appear:
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Blisters: at the first signs of irritation or blister formation, the Compeed® blister cushion will relieve the pain due to friction thanks to its cushioning effect.
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Corns and calluses: as soon as the corn is born, the Compeed® corn bandage rehydrates the skin to facilitate the removal of the corn and relieves pressure.
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Relief of blisters, corns, calluses and bunions:
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Blisters: Compeed® specialist bandages will help relieve the pain caused by the blister and help the skin heal fast.
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Corns and calluses: the Compeed® bandages maintain a moisturizing environment to soften the corn, relieving pain, and may eliminate the corn.
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Sources
Dr. Karlsmark T. Une étude clinique ouverte, randomisée, comparative, exploratoire phase IV de l’ecacité et de la sécurité de COMPEED®Hydro Cure system en tant que pansement hydrocolloïde vs un pansement gaze classique sur des ampoules expérimentales et des plaies superficielles menée sur 21 participants, Copenhague, Août 1999 – Mars 2000.
Winter GD, Formation of the scab and the rate of epithelialisation of superficial wounds in the skin of the young domestic pigs. Nature, 1962,193: 293-4.
Artus-Arduise et al. Hydrocolloid blister plasters vs. standard plasters for foot blisters treatment in real life. Clin Res Trials, 2020, Volume 6: 1-7. ISSN: 2059-0377.