Evidence supporting the use of: Hydrocolloid
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Hydrocolloid dressings have a scientifically validated role in the management of acne, particularly for superficial lesions such as papules and pustules. Hydrocolloids are occlusive, self-adhesive wound dressings that create a moist environment, promote healing, and absorb exudate. In the context of acne, hydrocolloid patches are not medicated but work through physical mechanisms. They absorb pus and oil from superficial acne lesions, reduce inflammation, and provide a barrier that discourages picking and manipulation, thereby decreasing the risk of secondary infection and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Several small clinical studies and in vitro experiments support their use. For instance, randomized controlled trials and split-face studies have shown that hydrocolloid patches can accelerate healing of inflammatory acne lesions compared to untreated controls. A 2017 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology demonstrated that hydrocolloid patches significantly reduced erythema and lesion size over a 7-day period. Additionally, their occlusive nature minimizes exposure to external irritants and bacteria. However, evidence is less robust compared to treatments that deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients, and effectiveness is limited to superficial acne lesions. Overall, their use is supported by moderate-quality scientific evidence as a supportive, non-pharmacological intervention for certain types of acne.
Other ingredients used for Acne
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Hydrocolloid
AbrasionsAcne
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Bites and Stings
Blisters
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diaper Rash
Eczema
Infection (bacterial)
Injuries
Itching
Lesions
Oral Surgery
Poison Ivy or Oak
