Exndate management: Absorption and adherence - the best of both worlds

摘要

Wound exudate management is essential if optimum healing is to be achieved. However, the surrounding skin and the wound bed must be protected from trauma caused by dressing over-adherence. This paper argues that absorption, appropriate adherence, and the function of silicone as a wound contact surface to support this, are vital components of wound care. A holistic approach must be adopted when assessing the patient with a wound, and the cause must be diagnosed and treated. For example, the patient with an ulcer on his or her lower leg needs to be investigated for the cause of tissue breakdown. If underlying venous hypertension is discovered, this needs to be corrected if the wound is to heal. The patient's general health needs to be optimised to increase the potential for wound repair. The clinician needs to diagnose and treat the complications in that wound, as there may be various issues such as infection or stasis eczema, which will complicate tissue repair. Finally, the wound itself should be treated and conditions optimised to provide an environment in which healing can be achieved.