Hydrogels are usually clear or translucent in color and vary in viscosity or thickness.
They are nonadherent to the wound base. Hydrogels are indicated for management of pressure ulcers, skin tears, surgical wounds, and burns, including radiation therapy burns. The hydrogel varies in thickness and viscosity. Because the gel can cause maceration, the practitioner should avoid applying it on the periwound skin. Figure 1 shows a Stage III to IV pressure ulcer of the hip.