Healthy Living:

  Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD William Truswell, MD, FACS, operates his own cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery practice. Dr. Truswell was the first in his area in Western Massachusetts to have an accredited private office surgical suite. LEARN MOR Hydrocolloid patches, also called  pimple patches , are clear bandages that stick directly onto pimples and claim to speed up healing. These patches are usually made of an outer polyurethane layer that helps keep bacteria out and an inner hydrocolloid gel layer that absorbs fluid. 1  However, hydrocolloid patches help heal breakouts differently than traditional  acne treatments .  What Does a Hydrocolloid Patch Actually Do? Hydrocolloid patches were initially designed to heal skin wounds like  ulcers  or  blisters . The patches help promote healing by absorbing moisture and protecting the skin from infections. 2 Pimple patches made with hydrocolloid work similarly on  acne  by absorbing excess fluid and keeping bacteria