title: Effectively managing wound exudate.
abstract: The management of wound exudate remains a clinical challenge despite technological advances in products with better exudate-handling capacities. This clinical challenge is occasionally encountered when thick exudate (viscous exudate) is present, and when most modern dressings do not possess the capabilities to manage the viscosity while enabling exudate absorption. Maceration to the peri-wound area poses another challenge, irrespective of the number of topical barrier application products on the market and the innovation of dressing products that lock exudate away or those that encourage vertical wicking. In addition to all the above, in clinical practice, the assessment and documentation of wound exudate remains sporadic, leading to the challenges of effective wound exudate dressing selection and cost-effective dressings.
authors: Tissue Viability Service Lead, Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
authors: Edwin
authors: E
authors: Chamanga
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing*
keywords: cost-effectiveness; exudates; patient care; superabsorbent; wound dressing