Definition:

"fluid, cells or other substances that have been slowly exuded, or discharged, from cells or blood vessels through small pores or breaks in cell membranes."

Source: Mosby's Medical / Nursing Dictionary

The basic concept behind moist wound healing is that the presence of exudate in a wound will provide an environment that stimulates healing. Exudate contains various components, including: lysosomal enzymes, WBC's, lymphokines and growth factors. Many of the advanced dressings available to you are designed to keep the wound bed moist with exudate.

The following is a summary of the actual AHCPR Clinical Practice Guideline. It is strongly recommend that you obtain and read a copy of this document.

For a copy, I've been given these two options:

Call 1-800-358-9295 or write to: AHCPR Publications Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 8547, Silver Spring, MD 20907.
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What is the difference between these terms?
How do I know if the wound I'm treating is infected?
Are all wounds infected?
Are swab cultures important?
How are infections treated?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kidney Dish 

The following information was copied verbatim from the AHCPR Guidelines, which is consistent with the recommendations of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) Consensus Development ConferKidney Dish 

Pressure ulcers arise due to a combination of situations and factors.
On a cellular level, ischemia occurs to tissue when too much pressure is applied to one area for a prolonged period of time. This pressure is usually from a bony prominence on one side and a hard surface on the other side. The soft tissue between these two surfaces is subjected to abnormal pressure. Kidney Dish The ischemia produced leads to tissue necrosis.
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A Bit of Blood Is Good

Blood helps clean wounds, so a little bleeding is good. Most small cuts and scrapes stop bleeding pretty quickly, but you can help by applying firm, gentle pressure with gauze or a tissue. If blood soaks through, put another piece of gauze or tissue on top, don't remove the old one or you may separate the wound and start the bleeding again.

Pregnancy, delivery, and motherhood can be exciting, overwhelming -- and painful. As you focus your attention and energy on your new baby, it's important not to neglect yourself. Knowing how to care for problems like foot blisters, cesarean section incisions, sore breasts, cracked nipples, and other unexpected pains can make this exciting time in your life a little less painful.

Wounds always hurt, but the degree of pain will vary according to the nature, location, and severity of the injury. Burns are particularly painful, as are many blisters, cuts, and scrapes. While a puncture wound may hurt less, it could potentially be more serious if left untreated.

Let's Be Honest about Wound Care

Will a covered wound really heal faster?

Yes. People have long believed the myth that keeping minor cuts and scrapes uncovered to let them air out helps them heal faster. Extensive research has proven this belief untrue! Clinical studies have shown that covering a wound with an adhesive bandage helps speed the healing and minimize the appearance of scars. Scabs are nature's way of protecting the body if one has a wound. However, scabs impede the healing by creating a barrier between healthy skin cells. The cells have to work their way under the scab in order to form new tissue and heal. Scabs can be scratched or torn, causing re-injury that prolongs healing. Scabs formed from leaving a wound uncovered often result in unwanted scars.

In 2008, fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined. Countless others suffered burns in the home. Many of these injuries and deaths might have been prevented with a working smoke alarm or some simple home safety tips. With a little thought and preparation, you can protect yourself and the ones you love. Here's how.

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