Moisture in wound healing: exudate management

Abstract

Wound exudate can have a significant impact on patient's quality of life and delay wound healing. It is also challenging for clinicians and can be costly in terms of clinical time and dressing cost. Understanding the difference between acute and chronic wound fluid is essential in order for clinicians to select the most appropriate treatment for their patients. Good patient assessment is the starting point for successful management and should include assessment of the patient, their wound and the type and amount of exudate. The management pathway should aim to address contributory factors, improve the patient's quality of life, optimise the wound bed and ensure the correct level of moisture at the wound bed. Dressings and topical negative pressure therapy are the main option for managing exudates and selection should be based on their clinical and cost effectiveness. A structured approach to exudate assessment and management as outlined in this article will help to reduce complications such delayed wound healing, prolonged treatment and patient suffering.