[Clinical evaluation of hydrogel-type dressing materials after their 8-year use]

The subject to assessment were hydrogel dressings (in 42 patients) compared with the classical gauze dressing with an addition of various pharmaceuticals (in 65 patients). We found out that the gauze dressings get dry 24 hours after they have been applied, their replacement being very painful. The hydrogel dressings, on the other hand, do not cause any pain when replaced after the 24 hours. The hygroscopic properties of hydrogel dressings allow a quick cleaning of the wound from microorganisms. Permitting an easy absorption of antibiotics and other drugs, they contribute to an acceleration of the healing process and epidermis development.