… Therefore, clinicians need to be able to assess whether the amount of exudate being produced by a wound is normal, too low or too high, and, importantly, whether it has changed since the previous assessment. … Clinicians should consult the manufacturer’s information for each dressing being considered, • and should have a clear understanding of the indications, contraindications, precautions and instructions for use of each dressing Box 8: Properties of the ideal dressing (adapted from WUWHS, 2007; Dowsett, 2011; Vowden et al, 2011) ■ Available in a range of shapes and sizes across care settings ■ Easy to apply ■ Does not require a secondary dressing ■ Comfortable/reduces pain/does not cause pain on application ■ Conformable ■ Prevents leakage and strikethrough ■ Absorbs odour ■ Stays intact and remains in place during wear ■ Suitable for extended wear* ■ Suitable fluid-handling capacity as per level of exudate ■ Retains fluid-handling capacity under compression therapy or when used with an offloading device ■ Atraumatic and retains integrity on removal ■ Unlikely to cause sensitisation or to provoke an allergic reaction ■ Cosmetically acceptable and available in a range of colours to match the patient’s request ■ Does not impede physical activity ■ Patient can shower with the dressing in situ ■ Incorporates sensors/alerts to feedback on dressing performance, need for change and wound condition ■ Inactivates factors that enhance inflammation (i.e. … Single-use NPWT is increasingly being used in the management of closed surgical incisions, where it also provides a barrier to external contamination and removes excess wound exudate. It may also aid healing by reducing lateral tension across the closed incision, improving lymphatic drainage and reducing the risk of wound infection and separation (dehiscence) (Karlakki et al, 2013). …