Εxudate management of chronic ulcers, with modern dressing

Ioannis Kalemikerakis, Maria-Evgenia Tzani, Theodoros Katsoulas

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Publication year:

2013

Authors:

• Kalemikerakis Ioannis, 2. Lecturer, Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, Department of Nursing, Athens University of Applied Sciences, Greece
• Tzani Maria-Evgenia, Communication Department, Anastasios Mavrogenis S.A.- Coloplast
• Katsoulas Theodoros, Nursing Department, University of Athens, Greece

Keywords index:

• Exudate
• management
• absorption
• relation
• chronic wounds
• dressing

Pages: 95-100

Abstract:

The safer and faster healing of the ulcers is related to the proper management of the exudate. Modern dressings have a significant role in the care of chronic wounds, as their absorptive capacity and their different constructional structure give dressings the specific characteristics related to their permeability, capacity and their ability of retaining of the absorbed exudate. This study aimed to investigate the modern bibliography about the exudates’ management of chronic wounds, in clinic practice, using modern dressings.

Method and material: A review of the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the guidelines and systematic reviews was performed, in the databases PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane database, at reputable websites and in the guidelines of European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP).

Results: The exudate in acute wounds may have a beneficial effect on wound healing, while for chronic ulcers may inhibit the healing process. Changes in the amount and texture of the exudate, provide information on about the underlying condition of the wound and may provide evidence for increased bacterial load and / or presence of infection. The exudate management is a critical process for the healing of chronic ulcers. Significant role in this effort have modern pads which can be divided into categories, based on the material, construction structure and the ability to manage exudate of the ulcer. The main categories of dressings relative to the exudates’ management are hydrocolloid, alginate, foam, hydrocapillary dressings and simple films.

Conclusions: The goal in clinical practice is to use the appropriate techniques and materials of care, so as to ensure proper management of moisture on the surface of the ulcers, in order to promote the healing effects while protecting against infections. Modern dressings may be proven to be useful tools in the exudate management of chronic ulcers.