What Is an Exudating Wound?

Although not all wounds reach the exudation stage, those that do must be taken seriously. Even though wound exudation is a natural part of the body's healing process, such wounds should always be examined and treated by a medical professional.

Definition

• An exudating wound is one that is leaking blood cell platelets and other fluids as it heals. Depending on the severity of the wound, the exact composition of wound exudate varies.

Significance

• Wounds that secrete a lot of exudate will take longer to heal and may require additional treatment.

Considerations

• Excessive, smelly or discolored exudate is often a sign of infection and can be a major problem if not treated properly. In these cases, antibiotics are often necessary to treat the infection before the wound itself can heal.

Dry Wound Healing

• A doctor may choose either dry or moist wound healing, depending on the wound's location and severity. Dry wound healing consists of wrapping the wound in gauze to absorb the excess fluid and keep the wound dry and clean, allowing the formation of a protective scab.

Moist Wound Healing

• Moist wound healing is a technique that is growing in popularity because it prevents the scarring that comes from scab formation. Instead of gauze, the doctor applies a foam, gel or other type of transparent film dressing that softens the skin tissue and allows the wound to heal naturally.