Managing wound exudate with the superabsorbent dressing C-Sorb.

Excess exudate is a major symptom of hard-to-heal wounds. It can delay wound healing and cause embarrassment and psychological distress for patients, as well as increase the number of dressing changes and thus nursing time and product costs. Exudate can be effectively managed with appropriate wound dressings, as part of a structured and holistic approach to wound assessment and care, involving treatment of the underlying aetiology. Superabsorbents are advanced, multi-layered dressings designed to absorb and retain large amounts of exudate, bacteria and matrix metalloproteinases. Different superabsorbents vary in composition and effectiveness. C-Sorb (Richardson Healthcare) is a range of superabsorbents designed to be clinically successful and cost-effective at managing moderate-to-high exudate in several types of wound. Five case studies demonstrate the positive impact of C-Sorb on exudate management and wound healing.