Reducing Complications Associated With Wound Exudate

Wound exudate is a necessary component of acute wound healing, but it can be a complicating factor in chronic wounds. Purulent drainage may indicate underlying infection, and high volumes can lead to periwound maceration, increased risk of infection, and impaired healing, requiring more complex and expensive treatment. Excessive drainage may have psychosocial effects and cause a decreased quality of life, especially if the exudate is present for prolonged periods of time. There are several important considerations for managing the highly exuding wound. Treatment can be accomplished in a variety of ways but typically includes application of an absorptive dressing or use of an advanced modality such as NPWT to remove exudate while maintaining an appropriate moisture balance. Upon completing this article, the reader will be able to:

• Define the types of wound exudate and complications associated with uncontrolled drainage
• Role of exudate in wound healing and strategies for optimal management
• Impact of COVID-19-pandemic on in-person wound care
• Benefits of NPWT in healing wounds with large volumes of exudate