The use of a superabsorbent dressing to reduce Periwound Maceration and odor in Chronic Wounds

Introduction:  Periwound maceration has been associated with slow healing of wounds.  Efficient removal of maceration is possible with the use of absorbent foams, alginates, and hydrogels. However, these dressings either lose integrity when saturated (alginates and hydrogels), allow exudates to be regressed back into the wound when compressed, or are unable to absorb well under compression.  Super absorbent containing dressings have been described as products which can: (a) absorb under pressure, and (b) resist “squeezing out” when used as a secondary dressing with typical pressure under a compression wrap (40 mm Hg).  We tested a superabsorbent dressing to assess wound healing rates, ability to prevent maceration, and the ability of the dressing to control wound odor.

 Methods:   A convenience sample of 6 patients with venous or plebolymphedma related exudates / ulcerations which caused problems of odor, periwound maceration coupled with slow wound healing were evaluated.   The patients were treated with the superabsorbent dressing with the unique contact layer consistently for 4-6 weeks, changing dressings during clinic visit 1-3 times a week.  Evaluation end points included peri wound maceration; wound healing rates; and evaluation of odor status of the wounds.The same compression bandage was used consistently on all the patients over the entire treatment period. 

Results and Discussion:  We observed that the dressings were saturated with fluid at dressing changes, though the peri wound skin in every case showed no evidence of the previously seen levels of maceration.  The fluid lock feature of the dressings was quite evident in practice.  Most remarkably, the dressings showed reduced odor levels over time.  In addition, there was no adhesion of the dressing to the wound and the contact layer made of a specially engineered polymer appeared to allow efficient removal of serosanguinous fluid without pooling on the wound surface.