Why do wounds weep

In addition, hydrocolloids and semi-permeable films may be useful as secondary dressings. Hydrocolloids are not designed to absorb large amounts but can be used for dressing retention in combination with a more absorbent dressing such as a hydrofibre, or for skin protection. Semi-permeable films can also be used for dressing retention but with caution.

Poor application and removal technique can cause skin stripping, and covering with an impermeable padding or tape can result in fluid being trapped against the skin with the development of maceration or excoriation as a consequence.

However, Fletcher advocates careful consideration of this option in light of emerging knowledge of the potentially damaging effect of proteins in chronic wound exudate Trengove et al, ; Yager and Nwomeh, It is important to give dressings a realistic chance of working by trying different wear times before deciding that the dressing is not working. Dressings for exudate management can be bulky even before they come into contact with exudate, at which point they can also become very heavy.

Attention should therefore be paid to selecting a suitable method of dressing retention that minimises skin trauma.

The use of adhesive dressings reduces the need for secondary dressings and tapes or bandages to secure them. They tend to be more secure for longer than non-adhesive dressings, but cannot be used where the peri-wound skin is either damaged or vulnerable to damage, or where repeated dressing removal is necessary. Alternatively, ordinary or tubular bandages can be used to secure non-adhesive dressings, thereby preserving skin condition. They can also be removed easily for wound inspection or dressing replacement.

Skin protection is of paramount importance. Alternatively, skin-care products such as Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film 3M have proved effective in preventing and managing erythematous skin damage resulting from contact with wound exudate Neander and Hesse, They may also reduce skin stripping by providing a contact layer which interfaces between the dressing and the actual skin surface.

Thin hydrocolloid wafers can be used for the same purpose, to protect vulnerable or damaged skin and as anchor dressings onto which further adhesive dressings or tapes can be secured. Aside from absorbent dressings, VAC and wound- drainage bags can both be used to collect large volumes of exudate. Vacuum-assisted closure creates a vacuum in the wound bed and then mechanically sucks the fluid from the wound and surrounding oedematous tissues.

As a sealed unit VAC is also useful in minimising the risks of cross-infection to other patients and possibly even in reducing the bacterial counts in colonised wounds Morykwas et al, Wound-drainage bags can also be used on some wounds, and some patients may be able to learn to use bags for themselves.

However, both VAC and drainage bags require particular care with fitting and skin protection to ensure exudate does not come into contact with the surrounding skin.

Anderson also cautions against allowing drainage bags to overfill as this can lead to skin trauma from pulling as well as the risk of leakage onto the surrounding skin and clothing. The management of excess exudate relies on skilled assessment and a thorough knowledge of the available options for care. It is particularly important to establish why excess exudate is being produced so that appropriate measures such as leg elevation and systemic antibiotics can be used in addition to absorbent wound dressings.

Good skin care and protection is also paramount given the damaging effects of exudate. Above all, it is crucial to ensure that the needs and wishes of the patient remain central to the choices made. Achterberg, V. Journal of Wound Care 5: 2, Anderson, I. Professional Nurse 3, Baker, E. Wound Repair and Regeneration 8: 5, Bolton, L. Cutting, K. Journal of Wound Care 3: 4, Fletcher, J. Nursing Times 5 suppl , Foster, A. In: Miller, M.

Wound Management. London: Nursing Times Books. If it's been a month or more, it could be a sign of something more serious. A wound has natural healing stages: After a wound bleeds and clots, a scab starts to form. There may be some swelling, pain, redness and clear discharge, but Dr.

As the wound starts to heal, new tissue will start to grow over the wound. Typically, this takes a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the wound.

Many chronic wounds are the result of pressure injuries in people with decreased sensation. Less common are infections from cuts and surgery. The Wexner Medical Center offers many treatment options: Depending on the type and severity of the wound, treatment can range from antibiotics to diagnostic testing to compression therapy. See the videos below for more information. After the bleeding has stopped, you should clean the wound, treated it with antibiotic cream, and cover it again.

If the wound is deep or large in surface area, you may need to see your doctor. Wound drainage that has a milky texture and is gray, yellow, or green is known as purulent drainage. It could be a sign of infection. The drainage is thicker because it contains microorganisms, decaying bacteria, and white blood cells that attacked the site of the infection.

It may have a strong smell too. If you see purulent drainage from a wound, see a doctor soon. Sometimes serous drainage is also tinged with a milky, off-color fluid. Seropurulent drainage can also develop when an infection is clearing, but you should still have your doctor look it over to be sure. The amount of fluid emerging from a wound is important. Hemorrhagic drainage, for example, requires immediate attention. One way to know if an artery or vein has been damaged is to note the way blood is flowing.

A ruptured artery bleeds in spurts. A ruptured vein releases blood in a steady stream. Purulent or seropurulent drainage may ooze slowly and a little at a time.

Regardless of how much pus is visible or how it drains, it needs medical attention. If you notice excessive sanguineous or serous drainage in the days after an injury or a surgical incision, see a doctor.

Abnormal drainage may be a sign of an underlying complication. The only way to know for sure is to have your doctor examine your wound and investigate any other symptoms you have. A fresh wound should drain more than one that is healing properly. However, excessive bleeding could mean a blood vessel was injured during the operation.

It could also mean that blood-thinning medications are preventing healthy blood clotting. Remember, all wounds, even the simple ones, can turn into a chronic wound over time. Make sure you keep your eye on your injury throughout the healing process. So, how do you tell if a wound is healing or infected? Below we take a look at various signs to look out for. Often, right at the beginning of the healing process, your wound feels warm.

This is because the white blood cells are fighting germs or bacteria. But, if the injury is feeling warm after the first five days, it may mean your body is fighting to keep bacteria and infection away. This is normal as blood is being sent to the area to supply oxygen and other nutrients for healing. After the initial discharge of a bit of pus and blood, your wound should be clear.

Pain is obviously normal after being injured. If you have a deep wound, the pain will most certainly be more prevalent.