Hydrogels can remain in a wound for up to 3 days, after which they should be removed from the wound by irrigation and replaced as necessary. Sheet hydrogels are placed over superficial wounds with an excess of 3-4cm around the wound. Simple sheet hydrogels need to be held in position with film, tape, lightweight cohesive bandage or a non-woven retention dressing such as Fixomull or Hypafix. Island versions of the sheet hydrogel are available, usually with a film as the secondary dressing. Due to the high water content of the hydrogels they have a propensity to macerate wounds with moderate to high exudate levels, therefore their use should be avoided in these types of wounds.
Many amorphous hydrogels contain propylene glycol, an agent which can result in allergic reaction.
Unpreserved hydrogels should be for single use only. Sheet hydrogels are occlusive and should not be used on clinically infected wounds or on cavity wounds.