Periwound Skin Resources

The aim of this in-service evaluation was to assess the performance, safety, and usability of a superabsorbent polymer dressing in moderate to highly exuding wounds. An in-service evaluation was conducted for two weeks on 12 patients being treated for venous leg ulcers, postoperative wounds, diabetic foot ulcers and lymphoedema ulcers at an outpatient vascular clinic in England. Most of the patients (67%, n=8) required three or fewer dressing changes. The number of patients with maceration was reduced by 29%  (n=2) from baseline (n=7), the mean pain score was reduced by 8% and no malodour was reported in 67% (n=8) of the patients by the end of two weeks. The dressing managed exudate well (50%) or very well (50%). The findings demonstrate the performance and safety of the dressing in managing exudate volume, wound odour and improving periwound skin condition without requiring a high frequency of dressing changes.

Selection of the most appropriate wound dressing is vital for promoting effective wound healing. With the vast number of options of wound dressings currently available, healthcare professionals may find it confusing to select the most appropriate dressing (World Union of Wound Healing Societies [WUWHS], 2020a). This article discusses the importance of wound assessment, focusing on identifying goals of treatment and the selection of an appropriate dressing to manage any identified barriers to healing. In turn, this will help community nurses provide person-centred care that promotes healing and improves overall patient wellbeing.

In the community setting, leg ulcer management involves both care of the wound itself and the skin of the lower limb. Cleansing is vital to enure that infection does not develop in the wound itself and that the integrity of the periwound skin is maintained. Maintaining the skin’s barrier function is also vital, as, without this, fluid loss, inflammation, dryness and infection can develop. Wound exudate can also act as an irritant to healthy skin, particularly when permitted to accumulate under wound dressings. Keeping the skin clean and free of debris, alongside more frequent dressing changes can help in the treatment of irritated skin. This article highlights the use of an innovative cleansing product (UCS; medi UK), which is designed as a premoistened cloth that safely and effciently cleanses the wound of slough and debris, while rehydrating periwound skin.