Exudate management
"Wound exudate is not
just an inert fluid -
understanding its
components and causes
will help to improve
care." 1
WHAT IS EXUDATE?1
Wound exudate is the product of fluid which leaks from
capilliaries into body tissue. In the early stages of healing,
inflammation will increase the permeability of capilliaries,
leading to an excess level of fluid entering the wound. This is
expected to decrease over time in healing wounds, but in
non-healing wounds, which may be stuck in the inflammatory phase,
exudate may remain at elevated levels.
Healing may be affected if there is too much or too little
exudate.
MOIST WOUND HEALING
Epithelial cells require moisture to move from the wound edges
to re-epithelialise or close the wound.
In a dry wound, these cells move below the wound bed to find a
moist area.
In a moist wound environment, however, the cells are able to
migrate directly across the wound bed, which results in faster
healing rates.
MANAGING EXUDATE1
Choice of dressing to manage exudate is important.
A number of properties can be considered in dressing choice such
as the desired moisture balance and the dressing's ability to
assist healing or prevent wound deterioration.
While many dressings will absorb exudate or manage exudate
through evaporation, other considerations for dressing
characteristics include:
Retention: Dressings that form a
cohesive gel tend to maintain their structure during use and may
reduce the risk of periwound maceration, by preventing fluid from
tracking through the dressing.
Sequestration: The ability of some
dressings, demonstrated in vitro, to trap bacteria and components
of exudate within the dressing.
According to the World Union Wound Healing Society Consensus
Document on wound exudate and the role of dressings, an integrated
approach to assessment should be taken.1
Management of exudate and related problems
"Effective exudate management will require advice from a
multidisciplinary team and the creation of individualised
management plans."1
Effective exudate management
References [+]
- WUWHS. Wound exudate
and the role of dressings. A consensus document. 2007, A World
Union of Wound Healing Societies' Initiative: London
