Excessive exudate production can damage the wound and surrounding skin, especially in the chronic wound. The damage includes maceration where exudate remains in the peri wound skin area and where proteolytic enzymes attack the peri wound area. Effectively managing wound exudate may shorten wound healing times which, in turn, will improve the patient’s quality of life (QoL) and have health economic benefits(1) .
Use a soft silicone multi-layered foam dressing to protect the skin for individuals at risk of pressure injuries Use a prophylactic dressing as an adjunct to heel off-loading and other strategies to prevent heel pressure injuries Use a prophylactic dressing beneath a medical device to reduce the risk of medical-related pressure injuries Reposition patients such that optimal off-loading of bony prominences and maximum redistribution of pressure is achieved (Guideline Section 5.5) (Guideline Section 5.15) (Guideline Section 5.18) (Guideline Section 5.4) (Guideline Section 3.5)(2)
- Browning P, White RJ, Rowell T. Comparative evaluation of the functional properties of superabsorbent dressings and their effect on exudate management. J Wound Care. 2016 Aug;25(8):452-62. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2016.25.8.452. PMID: 27523657.
- European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline. Emily Haesler (Ed.). EPUAP/NPIAP/PPPIA: 2019.