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If a wound produces a large amount of fluid (exudate)¹, the healing process can be slowed down. Increased exudate levels can be a symptom of infection and increased oedema. And the more a wound exudes, the higher the risk of maceration of the surrounding skin² – and exudate leakage.

Exudate leakage is not only clinically challenging to treat – it also prevents some patients from participating in social activities, or from going out altogether.

Problems often associated with exuding wounds are [1-2] : 

• a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life
• very time consuming treatment
• complications such as infection, wound pain and maceration that slows the healing process

The composition and amount of wound exudate¹ varies depending on the stage of the healing process. In the inflammatory phase of wound healing, exudate levels are usually high, which may be a sign of wound infection.

Unlike acute wound exudate, chronic wound exudate contains enzymes (proteases) that break down proteins and newly formed cells. To break the vicious cycle in a non-healing wound, the exudate must be led away from the wound with an absorbent dressing.

Controlling wound exudate
Control of exudate, removal of unhealthy tissue by debridement and management of bacterial load are all part of good wound bed preparation. A good wound dressing keeps the wound moist and absorbs exudate, locking it inside the dressing to prevent maceration.

Offering excellent absorption and retention, Biatain foam dressings are proven to deliver superior exudate management.[3-4] With longer wear time (up to seven days), minimal risk of leakage and maceration, your patients’ wounds will heal faster.[1,5 & 6]

References:

1. Jørgensen et al. The silver-releasing foam dressing, Contreet Foam, promotes faster healing of critically colonised venous leg ulcers: A randomised, controlled trial. International Wound Journal. 2005;2(1):64-73
2. Flanagan. Barriers to the implementation of best practice in wound care. Wounds UK. 2005;1(3):74-82
3.Thomas et al. An in-vitro comparison of the physical characteristics of hydrocolloids, hydrogels, foams and alginate/CMC fibrous dressings. www.dressings.org, 2005
4. Severin & Kristensen. New test method for measuring absorption in foams. Poster presented at joint Scientific meeting of ETRS, EWMA and DGfW, 2005
5. Münter et al. Effect of a sustained silverreleasing dressing on ulcers with delayed healing: the CONTOP study. Journal of Wound Care. 2006;15(5):199-206
6. Lohmann et al. Safety and performance of a new non-adhesive foam dressing for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Journal of Wound Care. 2004;13(3):118-120

Read more:
Find published clinical evidence on Coloplast wound dressings.


Notes:
1: Wound exudate is a fluid composed of plasma, blood cells and platelets. Most of the wound exudate filters from the blood and/or lymph system into the wound area, but red blood cells and platelets leak from injured capillaries. Viscosity varies, from thin and clear plasma fluid to thick yellow secretion containing high concentrations of white blood cells and bacteria

2: Maceration is a softening or sogginess and breakdown of the skin caused by ongoing contact with excessive moisture. Macerated tissue looks white and maceration can cause an ulcer to grow or create satellite ulcers