That means, it must altogether exhibit optimal biocompatibility. The use of hydrogels as wound coverings was first introduced in the late seventies or early eighties and has since then been consequently improved to meet the specific requirements of this area of indications. The following article wants to depict the structure, action, and indication of hydrogel dressings with the examples of Hydrosorb and Hydrosorb plus to assure their proper use in semi-occlusive moist wound treatment. Depending on the type of hydrogel, they contain varying percentages of water, but altogether do not dissolve in water. Despite their high water content, hydrogels are capable of additionally binding great volumes of liquid due to the presence of hydrophilic residues.
Hydrogels swell extensively without changing their gelatinous structure.
At the same time they are capable of absorbing the surplus contaminated exudates and safely retaining them within the gel structure. The absorption of secretions causes an expansion of the cross-links in the polymer chains, making room for the inclusion of foreign bodies such as bacteria, detritus, and odour molecules, that are irreversibly taken up along with the liquid. The basic physical features of hydrogel dressings can be specifically modified, according to the properties of the polymers used and the additional special equipments of the products. 60 per cent. This ensures an efficient moist wound treatment with outstanding biocompatibility from the very beginning.