I have developed type 2 diabetes due to a number of factors outside of my control. As a result, I am unable to clean in the house normally, and things get stacked up. I have cut my legs really badly a couple of times on some of these things that have stacked up, literally removed all of the layers of skin creating a terrible open wound. I did not find these bandages right away, so I don't know how effective they would be on the initial wounds, however, once the granulation tissue is growing (this is the tissue that grows before the replacement skin/scar tissue grows in), I have found them extremely effective! I'm not a doctor and I don't play one on TV, but there is a lot of knowledge out there if you look in the right places. When in doubt - CONSULT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS!!!! They can help you identify the best products for your current need!
I would also like to say that there is a big question you should always remember to ask when choosing a product:
Is this product appropriate for what you want to use it for? For example, acne or large pressure sores (bedsores) - this product is no appropriate for! Definitely not.
Acne requires exfoliation and cleansing on a regular basis (twice a day minimally - and other products like tea tree oil soap or other acne products are more appropriate for that. Covering acne up with bandages in most situations is just going to make it worse.
Bedsores are pressure sores. They require rigorous attention, frequent dressing changes and for the pressure that caused the bedsore to be relieved for healing!!!
Because of the type 2 diabetes, the skin on my legs and feet especially, is compromised. I am not healing as fast as I should. So, with daily dressing changes, cleansing carefully with gentle wound cleansing products and dressing with sterile bandaging and a prescription antibiotic ointment to help keep the wound from getting infected, it slowly got to a point where the granulation tissue had grown. That's when I found these hydrocolloid bandages.
I immediately ordered some to try. These bandages are meant to stay on for up to 7 days. they are fully waterproof (though I have learned that really hot water or conditions tends to compromise them so be careful about that! lol) Wearing work gloves with one on my finger caused it to get gooey and stretchy and then it hardened up where it got gooey and stretchy, but as long as it stays on, it still protected and seemed to do its job.
One of the other things that I found is that it is important to ensure that the size of the bandage is plenty large - it needs to fully cover the wound with, I would say a minimum of a half inch of additional bandage around the wound area. This is because of the "hydro" part. The bandage works with your bodies immune system and so it absorbs fluids. As the product details inform, a white bubble may appear over the wound - this is fluid collecting. This collection does seem to make the bandage under the area where the fluid collected less adhesive (no surprise really). So the extra bandage around the edge of the wound will help to ensure it remains waterproof and that it continues to adhere well.
The wound on my leg has accelerated healing and after only three weeks (and three of these 4" bandages) it is almost completely healed up now. I'm applying one more, and I expect that next week at this time, when I remove that 4th bandage, the granulation tissue will be gone and normal scar tissue will have finished forming. Until then, gotta keep the bandage on!
This bandage is also supposed to be antibacterial and help with pain. Once I applied the bandages, I hardly knew I had a bad wound on my leg, so they must be doing something right lol.
I would like for the packaging to describe more how they are antibacterial and how they help with pain because I like to understand how every product or medication that I use is working. but, aside from that small lack of info, I am super happy to have found these hydrocolloid bandages!
I also used on for a slice across my finger - I had a little trouble keeping this one on at first because it's over a knuckle but it eventually adhered well (the extra around the edge was important here)
And, when I told my doctors about them, they knew what they are and reacted very positively to my choice to use them for these wounds, so that made me feel pretty good as well.
I definitely recommend these bandages! However, I also recommend that if you don't understand the proper use (and that's ok!) seek medical advice for the best bandages for your needs! :-)
Amazon Basic Care Advanced Fast Healing Hydrocolloid Gel Bandages, 0.83 x 1.65 inches Adhesive Pads (20 Count)
4.5 | 18,274 ratings
Price: 10.38
Last update: 01-06-2025
About this item
Smart-heal Technology promotes up to 2x faster healing by providing a moist wound environment to facilitate the healing process
100% waterproof seal
Helps reduce scarring
Drug-free pain relief
Lasts up to 7x longer than traditional bandages
Actual size of the hydrocolloid bandages (0.83 x 1.65 in )
100% waterproof seal
Helps reduce scarring
Drug-free pain relief
Lasts up to 7x longer than traditional bandages
Actual size of the hydrocolloid bandages (0.83 x 1.65 in )
From the manufacturer
Top reviews from the United States
Anon m
Amazing advanced healing and protection
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2021szczurko
I personally love these bandaids for abcess' or bigger pimples
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024Shoppers Delight
Awesome Sauce!
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024CougarCatBlu
Better than others, but now too $$$$$
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024Raquel P.
Great product
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024Marie-Anne
Perfect for unwanted blisters!
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2024Heather Fretz
I was allergic to adhesive
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024atl mom
works very well for us
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2024