Exudate / Exudate wound / Wound exudate
Definition: Any fluid that filters from the circulatory system into a wound, lesion or area of inflammation.
Exudate, a fluid produced by wounds, is crucial in the wound healing process but can hinder it if mismanaged. Maintaining optimal moisture levels in the wound bed is critical. Proper exudate control helps prevent complications like maceration and wound infection, fostering a conducive environment for wound healing. Clinicians must consider exudate composition and volume to select appropriate dressings and interventions.
Effective exudate management is vital for successful wound healing. The World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) Consensus Document (2019) provides valuable educational and clinical support for managing exudate. It offers guidelines and strategies focusing on moisture levels, wound surrounding (periwound) skin issues, and patient quality of life. Download and read the full consensus document here: Wound Exudate, Effective Assessment and Management
Balancing the wound environment is key to optimizing the patient’s healing potential. Achieving wound balance involves wound bed preparation, debridement, exudate management, and dressing selection. To read more about the wound balance concept and its application in clinical practice, download the full article: White Paper - Wound Balance: Achieving Wound Healing With Confidence
According to international guidelines in wound management, the LINK eLearning course thoroughly explains elements of physiopathology, medical protocols, and treatment recommendations for exuding wounds. It also includes individual clinical cases to provide examples of best clinical practice. Visit the LINK eLearning course and earn 1 CPD credit. The course is available here: Clinical Challenges in Exudate Management
For related contents on LINK click here!
Related Scientific Contents on LINK
White Paper - Wound Balance: Achieving Wound Healing With Confidence
Lymphorrhoea as a largely under-recognized problem in exudate management of chronic wounds
Harmonised Glossary of Wound Care Terms
Implementing TIMERS: the race against hard-to-heal wounds
An observational study of a superabsorbent polymer dressing evaluated by clinicians and patients
HydroTherapy: the importance of hydration in wound healing
Wound hydration versus maceration: understanding the differences
Wound Exudate, Effective Assessment and Management
Advances in Wound Care: The triangle of wound assessment
Challenges of wounds with high exudation – polyacrylate polymers dressings put them in use!
Zetuvit Plus Silicone Border, Made Easy
Simplifying wound dressing selection for residential aged care
A retrospective audit of the treatment of wounds with moderate to high exudate levels
Evaluation of a superabsorbent wound dressing, patient and clinician perspective: a case series
The use of superabsorbent wound dressing Zetuvit Plus in the management of deep burn wounds
Related E-Learning Courses on LINK
Clinical Challenges in Exudate Management
Pressure Ulcer / Pressure Injury (PU/PI)
Related Webinars on LINK
Clinical Challenges and solutions in Palliative Wound Management
When Healing May Not be an Option - How to Effectively Manage Fungating Wounds
Webinar on demand - The desired performances of wound dressings for an effective exudate management
Appropriate management of lower limb wounds
Related Events on LINK
EPUAP 2022: Pressure Ulcer Prevention & Treatment Approaches
Last edited: August 6, 2024