Evaluating the effectiveness of a dressing for use in malodorous, exuding wounds.
Malodorous, exuding wounds can cause problems for patients in terms of discomfort and social isolation. A prospective, noncomparative, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an odor-controlling dressing in the management of patients with chronic and acute exuding, malodorous wounds. Forty-six patients with various malodorous wounds (mean duration prior to study entry of 231.6 weeks) participated in the study. The majority of the patients were > 65 years of age (mean 70.7 years). Wound characteristics, odor, and dressing exudate absorption were assessed at baseline and at every dressing change (total: 348 dressing changes). Overall assessment of the dressing's ability was rated as good or excellent for odor control (91% of patients), exudate management (82%), and overall comfort (86%). Patient and nurse perception of odor were similar. While appropriate treatment to address the cause of exudate and wound odor remains a priority, the results of this study suggest that discomfort and isolation may be reduced through the use of odor-control dressings.
Holloway
Samantha
S
Wound Healing Research Unit, Cardiff Medicentre, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales. HOLLOWAYSL1@cf.ac.uk
Bale
Sue
S
Harding
Keith
K
Robinson
Barry
B
Ballard
Kate
K
D000368:Aged; D002606:Charcoal; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D009812:Odorants; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*
D002606:Charcoal