Nearly all wounds produce an amount of exudate, also known in layman’s terms as ‘pus’. This is the fluid that leaks out from blood vessels and resembles blood plasma. The rate of fluid leaked from the capillaries into the tissue depends on the permeability and the pressure across the capillary walls. However, the actual amount depends on the wound type. As the wound heals, exudate production reduces gradually.
The management of exudate holds an integral position in wound care. When properly managed, healing time chance of infection, and frequent dressing changes are all reduced and quality of life is improved.
Indicators of poorly managed exudate
Local wound management involves using negative pressure wound therapy products and appropriate dressings. Treatment depends on the type of exudate. There are five major types of wound exudates -
Your physician will analyze and assess the wound and may also look at the quantity of wound drainage. The higher the drainage, the higher the bioburden and there are different wound dressings available to aid in the management of various drainage levels.
The wound dressing should absorb excessive exudate. For a wound that exhibits high exudate, the dressing used must keep the wound bed moist and humid. It must manage the exudate adequately without being changed often.
High wound drainage makes the skin around the wound prone to tearing. A silicone dressing adheres gently to the skin and prevents pain during removal. The thin, flexible dressing conforms, and contours for a comfortable and secure seal, minimizing peri-wound laceration reduces wound trauma and pain during dressing changes.
Absorbs moderate to high exudate with a moisture-proof, bacteria-proof film backing for increased strength and flexibility. Mepilex foam dressing forms a seal around the wound to prevent leakage. Subsequently, the Safetac technology minimizes the risk of laceration and offers a moist wound-healing environment.
Draws fluid into air spaces via capillary action and have a hydrophilic contact layer that encourages fluid to pass through the bandage away from the wound bed. Pseudo-foams are hydroactive dressings that draw the fluid into the dressing; as the fluid is absorbed, the dressing physically expands. The fluid is then held within the foam structure. The backing of the foam dressings is designed to allow the evaporation of small amounts of fluid, enhancing the dressing total fluid capacity handling.
A Liquitrap Core provides gentle adhesion while maintaining an ideal healing environment. Optifoam silicone dressing features a super absorbent liquitrap core that draws in heavy exudate, converts it into a gel, and locks it away. The low-profile design increases flexibility and comfort. Its five unique layers provide added protection for patients.
Wounds with little to no drainage do not need dressings with high absorbency. They are easier to manage than the other two types of wounds. Most importantly, a low drainage wound does not require dressings that offer high moisture. However, too dry wounds often lead to delays in the healing process.
Contains 3% bismuth tribromophenate in a petrolatum blend, providing bacterial protection. Designed to shield lightly effusive wounds and to stop bacterial growth keeping wound odor at bay. The dressing is non-adherent and does not stick to the wound which prevents trauma when removing. Additionally, it keeps the wound wet and sterile to promote rapid healing.
Accurate assessment and treatment of underlying conditions and appropriate dressing selection are needed to promote successful wound healing. At HPFY, we have a carefully selected range of wound dressings designed for all your essential wound care needs.
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Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...
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