A pimple, regardless of size, may not be pleasant to see. Pimple patches could be an excellent option whether you often battle acne or acquire blemishes occasionally. A hydrocolloid patch is one kind of pimple patch. It is available over the counter, much like other acne patches.
A Hydrocolloid Patch: What Is It?
It’s a little bit of substance that covers an open pimple. When combined with water, a polymer, or material that turns into a gel, is called a hydrocolloid. A hydrocolloid patch is created when you apply it to a tiny material. Your skin can mend thanks to the moist environment the hydrocolloid generates.
Leg ulcers and pressure sores were among the general wounds that hydrocolloid was first used to treat. They performed better than conventional covers, according to experts. Additionally, they are used by doctors after skin procedures like mole removal. Starch is one kind of hydrocolloid that may thicken or gel some meals.
Recently, researchers discovered that these patches also performed effectively on open acne. Various acne patches that don’t include hydrocolloids are available, which may be effective on non-open pimples.
How Do Hydrocolloid Patches Appear?
The ones designed to treat acne are large enough to conceal a zit. They arrive on a sheet with several stickers or patches. On your skin, certain spots are transparent and scarcely noticeable. Others stand out more.
What Constitutes a Hydrocolloid Patch?
Polyurethane film is one of the materials that may be used to make it. The patch often contains an outer layer that guards against infection or bacterial growth on the skin. Any liquid, including pus and discharge, that seeps from a pimple may be absorbed by the inner layer.
The hydrocolloid gel’s wetness speeds up healing and guards against infection.
The hydrocolloid patch is different from other pimple patches in that it absorbs the contaminated pus and protects and treats your skin.
How Should a Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch Be Applied?
Clear the sore spot. Then, pat your skin dry. After that, apply the patch on your zit. Peel it off after leaving it on as directed on the label. Some versions claim that to observe benefits, the technique must be repeated.
How Effective Is a Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch?
Researchers compared hydrocolloid pimple patches with surgical tape on the epidermis of individuals with mild to severe acne. For a week, they replaced their patch or tape every two days. By the conclusion of the research, both groups had less severe acne. However, the pimple patch performed better at:
- Reducing the severity of acne
- Removing more UV energy to help prevent melanoma and skin cancer
- On days 3, 5, and 7, regulating redness, oiliness, dark pigmentation, and sebum (a waxy material your skin produces)
Additionally, because of their antibacterial qualities, hydrocolloid patches prepared from gelatin and cortical extracts were proven to hasten the healing of skin cells. The hydrocolloid patches outperformed other commercial, non-hydrocolloid acne patches in terms of performance.
Another over-the-counter acne patch uses tea tree oil with only one layer. They can’t, however, absorb fluid from the pimple as hydrocolloid patches do, which can lead to the pimple reappearing.
Who Is Not a Candidate for a Hydrocolloid Pimple Patch?
You should avoid pimple patches if you have susceptible skin. They may cause the afflicted region to become dry or irritated.
Hydrocolloid patches cannot cure blackheads, whiteheads, or debris from blocked pores. Additionally, they don’t work for cystic acne. And they are unable to stop flare-ups.
What Alternative Acne Treatments Exist?
Your choices consist of:
Cleansers. Look for face cleansers that include sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. These have a reputation for reducing acne. Only wash your face twice every day.
Topical drugs. Creams, gels, and lotions on prescription and over-the-counter may be helpful. Adapalene, azelaic acid, dapsone, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, and trifarotene are among the compounds to look for.
Injections. To help the acne clear up, your doctor may inject steroid medication into the troubled spots.
Oral medication. Your doctor could recommend an androgen receptor blocker to prevent androgen hormones from being released by oil-producing glands. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is one example. If you also need to avoid pregnancy, your doctor could recommend an oral contraceptive (birth control) that treats your acne. They could suggest isotretinoin if previous therapies haven’t worked (Absorica, Zenatane).
Antibiotics. Topical minocycline, erythromycin, or clindamycin may be applied directly to the skin. You can also be instructed to take an antibiotic by your doctor.