Use of a superabsorbent dressing in the management of exudate in hard-to-heal wounds

Abstract

With the shift in demographics towards an ageing population with multimorbidity, the number of hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds is increasing each year. This poses a challenge for both health professionals, for whom wound management is becoming more complex, and for patients, who have to cope with exudate production, malodour and pain. This article summarises understanding of healing in such wounds and how best to meet the challenge of exudate, which is a ubiquitous hallmark of hard-to-heal wounds. The role of superabsorbent dressings is considered, with particular reference to Kliniderm superabsorbent in the management of people with these challenging wounds.

Keywords: Exudate; Hard-to-heal wounds; Malodour; Quality of life; Superabsorbent.