Periwound Skin Resources

12 April 2024
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.
Topics:  Wound assessment
20 April 2016

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.

Topics:  Periwound Skin