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Case Series/Study
Effective exudate management is essential for wound healing. Lower extremity wounds are often highly exudative resulting in a variety of challenges. These types of wounds often require multiple dressing changes daily which can be exhausting to both the patient and the caregiver. In an ideal setting, the dressing should be able to sustain at least one full 24-hour period before needing the next dressing change especially if these wounds are painful.
Methods:
This is a series of challenging cases involving highly exudative atypical wounds of the lower extremity, including cases of Graft vs Host, venous stasis, and scleroderma. The author will share his experience with better patient outcomes after switching dressing protocols to a superabsorbent dressing* in his wound care practice.
Results:
After implementing the new protocol, there was a noticeable change in odor control and wound base appearance along with a decreased frequency in need for multiple daily dressing changes.
Discussion:
These results demonstrate that superabsorbent dressings should be the standard of care in all wound types of the lower extremity with exudate that is from moderate to heavy to aid with wound healing, infection control, odor control, and pain management.
Trademarked Items: *Zetuvit Plus, Paul Hartmann AG, Heidenheim Germany
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