Securing Hydrocolloid Dressings

Challenge
A research study was conducted to address the problem of treating pressure sores. This randomized, controlled clinical study involved patients with documented Stage II, III, and IV pressure sores. Patient groups received a nursing care plan which included hydrocolloid dressings bordered by Hy-Tape® for Stages II and III. In incontinent patients with sores on the sacrum, hydrocolloids were completely covered with Hy-Tape®. Eighty patients were studied.

Solution

Nurses using Hy-Tape®, The Original Pink Tape®, in this study gave Hy-Tape® an "excellent" rating for providing the following clinical benefits:

Zinc oxide-based adhesive was soothing to delicate skin, preventing skin breakdown and skin irritation

• Increased wearing time of dressing
• Ease of application-stayed flat and smooth without curling or wrinkling
• Adhered firmly to skin and dressing
• Conformed easily to body contours-shaped by gentle finger pressure in all traditional "hard to fit" areas
• Completely washable without compromising adhesion-mild soap and water removed all soilage including feces and urine
• Removed easily without irritating sensitive skin-left no residue upon removal

	Use Hy-Tape® to picture frame borders of a hydrocolloid dressing to be left in place for up to seven days.

	Hy-Tape® is removed after one week. Skin remains healthy with no irritation.

	Compare untaped hydrocolloid dressing to a dressing taped with Hy-Tape®. Notice rolled edges where tape detaches from wound area without Hy-Tape®.

	When protection from urinary or fecal incontinence is essential, entire dressing surface benefits from Hy-Tape. Soiled tape can be washed with soap and water without compromising adhesion.

	Where zinc oxide-treated Hy-Tape® is used, surrounding skin remains healthy and unaffected by incontinence. Marked healing of the coccyx pressure sore is evident.