GRANUGEL HYDROCOLLOID

Wounds that have dried out, developed a sloughy surface, or contain areas of non-viable tissue present a specific management challenge: the wound needs moisture to rehydrate and the biological processes to restart before active healing can progress. GranuGEL is a sterile amorphous hydrocolloid gel from ConvaTec. It is applied directly to the wound surface, donating moisture and creating the conditions that support autolytic debridement of slough and necrotic tissue. A secondary dressing is always required to hold the gel in place. 15g sterile tube. No prescription required.

GranuGEL is a Class IIb regulated sterile medical device from ConvaTec. It is an amorphous hydrocolloid gel packaged in a 15g sterile tube. The term "amorphous" distinguishes this product from sheet hydrocolloid dressings. A sheet hydrocolloid is a flat solid structure that is applied over a wound like a patch. An amorphous hydrocolloid gel is a formless material that can be applied into a wound cavity, spread over an irregular wound surface, or introduced into areas where a flat dressing cannot reach. The gel fills the contours of the wound and maintains contact with the wound surface throughout the wear period.

GranuGEL is used in wound management for two related purposes. The first is rehydration: dry wounds or wound surfaces that have partially dried need moisture to restart the cellular activity of healing. GranuGEL donates moisture to the wound surface from its water content, softening dried tissue and creating a moist wound contact environment. The second purpose is autolytic debridement. Autolytic debridement is the process by which the body uses its own naturally occurring enzymes to soften and break down non-viable tissue, slough, fibrin, and necrotic material, in preparation for their removal. This process requires a moist wound environment. GranuGEL provides that environment at the wound surface, supporting the autolytic process.

GranuGEL is sterile and single-use. Each 15g tube is for one application. The gel is not self-adhesive and does not hold itself against the wound. A secondary dressing is always required to cover and retain the gel after application.

No active pharmaceutical ingredients are present. GranuGEL does not treat infection.

GranuGEL is not suitable for infected wounds. It has no antimicrobial action. Do not use on wounds with clinical signs of infection, spreading redness, fever, offensive discharge, or increasing pain. GranuGEL is also not suitable for heavily exuding wounds. The gel contains water and donates moisture to the wound. On a wound already producing heavy fluid output, this may cause maceration. Always apply a secondary dressing after GranuGEL; gel applied without a cover will dry out quickly and lose its effect.

Moisture Donation to Dry Wounds

GranuGEL is primarily a water-based hydrocolloid formulation. When applied to a wound surface that is dry or has areas of dried slough or eschar, the gel donates moisture from its water content directly to the wound. This hydration softens dried tissue and creates the moist environment at the wound surface that wound healing requires. Wounds that have lost surface moisture through inadequate dressing, prolonged exposure to air, or insufficient hydration at the wound bed benefit from this direct moisture delivery.

Supporting Autolytic Debridement

Autolytic debridement is the natural mechanism by which a wound clears itself of non-viable tissue. The body produces proteolytic enzymes that break down slough, fibrin deposits, and necrotic material. These enzymes are present in wound fluid and act on the wound surface when the wound is kept consistently moist. When a wound is dry, this enzymatic activity is reduced because the wound fluid carrying the enzymes is not present in adequate amounts. GranuGEL creates the moist wound environment in which autolytic debridement can proceed, supporting the natural removal of non-viable tissue from the wound bed without sharp debridement.

Filling Wound Contours

Because GranuGEL is amorphous, it can be applied into wound cavities, pockets, sinuses, and irregular wound surfaces where a flat sheet dressing would not maintain consistent contact with the wound bed. The gel fills the space and maintains moist contact across the full wound surface regardless of the wound geometry. This is a clinical advantage on wounds that are not flat, such as pressure ulcers at higher grades, cavity wounds in early formation, and irregular wounds on bony prominences.

Secondary Dressing Requirement

GranuGEL must always be covered with a secondary dressing after application. The secondary dressing retains the gel against the wound surface, prevents the gel from drying out and losing its moisture-donating property, and provides protection from external contamination. The choice of secondary dressing depends on the wound and the expected exudate level. For dry wounds where GranuGEL is the primary management, a simple cover such as a foam dressing, a hydrocolloid sheet, or a film dressing over the gel is appropriate.

Preparation

• Wash hands and use gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline and remove any loose debris.
• Prepare the secondary dressing before opening the GranuGEL tube.

Application

• Open the sterile tube immediately before use.
• Apply GranuGEL directly to the wound surface, covering the wound bed to a depth of approximately 3 to 5mm.
• For cavity wounds, fill the cavity loosely - do not pack tightly.
• Apply the secondary dressing immediately over the gel.
• Label with the date and time.

Change Frequency

• Change every one to three days, depending on wound condition and exudate.
• At each change, assess whether slough or necrosis is softening and loosening.
• If the wound bed is improving toward clean granulating tissue, continue use.
• If the wound is infected or worsening, seek clinical assessment before continuing.

Do not overfill wound cavities with GranuGEL. Apply loosely to fill the wound depth rather than packing firmly. A secondary dressing must be applied immediately after the gel, gel left uncovered will dry rapidly and lose its clinical effect. Used tubes must be discarded after each application; do not reuse.

GranuGEL 15g Sterile Tube

GranuGEL is available in a 15g sterile tube, providing a single application for a wound of moderate dimensions. For larger wound areas or cavities requiring more gel, multiple tubes may be needed per change. The tube is sterile, single-use, and is discarded after each application. The 15g provides sufficient gel for a typical pressure ulcer wound bed or a moderately sized sloughy wound at a single change.

Do Not Use GranuGEL If

• The wound shows clinical signs of infection.
• The wound is heavily exuding - moisture donation may cause maceration.
• Known sensitivity to any component of the gel.

Precautions

• Always apply a secondary dressing immediately after applying the gel.
• Single use only - discard tube after each application.
• For cavity wounds, fill loosely without tight packing.
• Reassess at each change and seek clinical advice if the wound is not improving.

Adverse Effects

• Wound maceration if used on moderately exuding wounds, without appropriate secondary dressing selection.
• Skin sensitivity to gel components - rare. Discontinue and seek advice if sensitivity occurs.

Wounds Where GranuGEL Is Appropriate

• Dry or lightly exuding wounds with areas of slough, fibrin, or necrotic tissue, where autolytic debridement is the clinical approach
• Pressure ulcers at grades where the wound surface contains non-viable tissue, and a moist environment is needed to support natural debridement
• Dry wound surfaces and wound beds that need rehydration before progressing to active healing
• Wound cavities and irregular wound surfaces where a flat sheet dressing does not maintain full wound contact
• Adults and children where clinically directed

GranuGEL vs Hydrocolloid Sheet Dressings

GranuGEL and sheet hydrocolloid dressings such as Granuflex and DuoDERM both use hydrocolloid technology to support moist wound healing. Sheet dressings are appropriate for flat, lightly to moderately exuding wounds where a patch format can maintain full wound contact. GranuGEL is appropriate for dry, sloughy, or necrotic wounds requiring direct moisture delivery and debridement support, and for cavity or irregular wound surfaces where a sheet dressing cannot maintain consistent contact. The two formats are often used sequentially: GranuGEL to debride and prepare the wound bed, then a sheet hydrocolloid once the wound bed is clean and granulating.

GranuGEL is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. The 15g sterile tube is available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on GranuGEL and on appropriate secondary dressing selection for use alongside it.

Wounds with slough, necrosis, or delayed healing should be assessed by a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP. GranuGEL used alongside appropriate clinical supervision gives the wound the best conditions for progression.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Keep in original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if the packaging seal is broken.
• Check the expiry date before use.
• Discard any unused gel remaining in the tube after application.
• Do not reuse an opened tube.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. GranuGEL is a genuine ConvaTec product stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on GranuGEL use alongside appropriate secondary dressings and on when clinical wound assessment is the appropriate next step.

References

1. ConvaTec. GranuGEL Hydrocolloid Gel — Instructions for Use. ConvaTec. https://www.convatec.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Debridement in clinical practice. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed June 2026.
4. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed June 2026.