10 Best Hydrocolloid Bandages in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is also a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila.

She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.

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The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide. For ranks 1 to 3, in addition to the buying guide, we also referred to more than 100 reviews in Lazada to come up with their respective rankings.

We have more product recommendations in store for you! Listed in no particular order, here are seven more of our recommended products carefully chosen by the mybest team.

Hydrocolloid bandages have a soft, gel-like texture which makes them pliable for effortless application and mobility. They are good for areas where it can be difficult to apply regular dressings, like in the elbows and knees. Plus, they provide a moist and warm environment to aid in the healing process. One bandage can be used for up to a week or until the sides start to detach.

This dressing is best for wounds and abrasions that are shallow and dry. It can also heal injuries that are not infected and have minimal leakage. Hydrocolloid bandages can be used to treat chronic venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns, partial-thickness wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and other medical concerns. They are also utilized to treat acne, pimples, and cold sores.

Ultimately, hydrocolloid bandages assist in autolytic debridement or the process of getting rid of necrotic debris and tissue within moist conditions. This, in turn, promotes and aids the naturally present body enzymes in healing. However, it can be difficult to monitor a wound when it is covered with this type of bandage because it is not designed to be replaced regularly. 

For more information, read through our buying guide below.

1. Choose the type of hydrocolloid bandage according to your needs.
2. Look for well-known and certified brands to ensure quality.
3. Purchase the right amount depending on the severity of your wound.
4. Consult a medical professional to determine if a hydrocolloid bandage works best for your wound.

For more information, read through our buying guide below.

After going to the doctor to assess the kind of wound you have, the next thing to do is to determine the type of hydrocolloid bandage to purchase. Patches, blister bandages, and regular bandages all have hydrocolloid technology but serve various purposes. In this section, we will discuss the differences in size, shape, and purpose of each one. 

Pimple patches are effective in extracting the gunk from your acne, reducing swelling, and preventing your popped pimple from leaving dark marks and scabs. Those that target individual acne have a round shape and measure around 0.7cm to 1.2 cm, just like COSRX's pimple patches. On the other hand, nose patches from brands like Luxe Organix cover acne clusters, especially on the nose. 

Conversely, cold sore patches are roughly the same size and shape as pimple patches yet have a different function. These serve as a protective layer for cold sores around the mouth area. Not only that, but they also stop the proliferation and subsequent outbreak of the microbes that caused the infection and wound.

Contrary to larger hydrocolloid bandages that adhere to the skin for multiple days and even up to a week, these are commonly used for just a few hours, overnight, or during the day. They can be removed when the previously transparent or translucent patch becomes clouded due to the accumulation of impurities.

Although hydrocolloid bandages are mainly used for burns, pressure ulcers, and minor wounds, some brands offer ones that specifically target blisters. In particular, Band-Aid's Hydro Seal bandages have variants that provide cushion and faster healing for blisters on the toes and the heels. 

Their shape makes all the difference compared to regular bandages. The blister bandages for the toes or fingers are thin and long, so you can wrap them around for a secure attachment. As for the heel bandages, they have an oval shape to cover the heel while the tapered ends wrap around the sides so they won't come off easily.

Regular hydrocolloid bandages are versatile such that they can be used to heal several kinds of wounds like minor gashes, lacerations, pressure ulcers, burns, and any injury with minimal exudate. These usually have a square or rectangular shape to protect and heal medium to large injuries. You can also cut them in case you have an irregular-shaped wound.

For example, Convatec's Duoderm has square hydrocolloid bandages as big as 20 cm on each side, ideal for large wounds. In addition, Nexcare has a rectangular 10 cm by 6 cm bandage for medium-sized injuries. In order to know which size and shape to get, measure your wound and take note of the dimensions. Then, add about 2 cm to the number.

When you type in 'hydrocolloid bandages' on the search bar on Lazada, Shopee, Watsons, or any other E-commerce site, you will see a multitude of products. The best way to filter them out is to look at the brands. 

Those that also sell other medical equipment and wound dressing needs like Band-Aid and Nexcare are most preferable. If you're dealing with acne and pimples, go for well-known skincare brands such as COSRX, Luxe Organix, and The Ordinary. 

Hydrocolloid bandages are, in fact, more expensive compared to regular plasters and bandages, so beware of sketchy shops that offer them at a lower price than usual. Because you're dealing with a sensitive wound, it is vital to check the product reviews to ensure safety and quality.

Lastly, consider how many bandages you will need. You don't want to end up with an amount that is not enough until your wound is fully healed. On the other hand, if you get too much, the bandages might not be used up before their expiration date. Since they are on the expensive side, you can opt for shops that offer tingi or per piece.

If you're still weighing your options, it is better to have a few extra sheets in your first aid kit in case of emergencies. Also, bear in mind that one bandage can be used for up to a week, but this also depends on the severity, leakage, and the time it will take the wound to heal, according to the doctor or specialist's advice. 

Before ordering online or going to a pharmacy to buy hydrocolloid bandages, it is crucial to find out if they are necessary for your wound. Although you can purchase them online and over the counter in stores, it is still recommended to consult a health care professional beforehand.

This way, they can assess the severity of your injury along with the appropriate care and treatment for it. As we’ve discussed earlier, hydrocolloid bandages are suitable for some but not all types of wounds. In addition, getting the right one allows you to maximize the benefits and features of the bandage.

By now, you may have already chosen a hydrocolloid bandage according to your needs. The next thing to know is how to properly apply and remove the bandage. With the help of this video from 3M's YouTube channel, you will learn exactly just that!

Applying the Hydrocolloid Bandage:

1. Peel off the film on the adhesive side of the hydrocolloid bandage. 
2. Hover the adhesive side of the bandage directly on top of the wound. Make sure that the wound is right at the center of the bandage, with a 1-inch allowance on the sides. If you're satisfied with the positioning, press it down gently onto the skin.
3. Smooth the edges to secure the fit and adherence of the bandage. Lastly, remove the films on the outer side.

Removing the Hydrocolloid Bandage:

1. Carefully hold down the skin while lifting the tapered or detached edges of the hydrocolloid bandage. You can also stick a piece of tape on the side to lift the borders and eventually separate the bandage from the skin. Do this for all sides.
2. Pull away the bandage slowly in the direction of your hair growth. 

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.

It depends! Hydrocolloid bandages allow for the good healing of superficial burns. However, make sure to consult with your doctor before slapping one on as it depends on the level of involvement of the skin and the absence of signs of infection, among other factors.

Hydrocolloids typically turn white after several hours to even days of use. What happens is that the material (aka the polymers) absorbs the fluid from the wound and combines with the exudate to form a soft gel-like mass. This gets trapped in the bandage, turning the area of the bandage white.

Hydrocolloid bandages don't prevent scarring per see, but they do help wounds heal faster. As for those hydrocolloid pimple patches, they do prevent you from picking or trying to pop the pimple - which is good because this can lead to scarring.

Having a first aid kit at home is a must. Aside from wound care essentials, it is best to get some health monitoring equipment like a pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, blood glucose monitor, and bathroom scale to keep track of your health on a daily basis. Browse our other articles to see the best products available online!

Hydrocolloid bandages are indeed pricey, so it is important to get the right one for your needs. The cost is surely worth it as they contribute to an efficient healing process. You also don't need to replace them every now and then. If ever you need help applying or removing one, refer to the video above or the instructions on the package. 

At this point, you already have a number of options for hydrocolloid bandages whenever wounds, burns, or acne come about. Have trouble choosing? The buying guide is there to provide useful information about which factors to consider, while the top 10 list comprises the best brands and products in the market. We hope you were able to select the right one!

Author: Patricia Catimpo

Editor: Aprille Jarcia

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Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.