Duoerm is an opaque dressing used in medicine to protect wounds from contamination, and provide a moist wound-healing environment. It is generically known as a hydrocolloid dressing, made from a fruit pectin derivative. Hydrocolloids were initially utilized in medicine as a reliable, skin-friendly adhesive, useful for securing colostomy appliances to the patient's abdomen. Clinicians observed that acute abdominal wounds from colostomy operations healed more rapidly when a hydrocolloid was used. It is biodegradeable, nonbreathable and adheres to the skin so no separate taping is needed.