How can I determine the appropriate dressing for a chronic wound based on its characteristics?

To determine the appropriate dressing for a chronic wound, first assess the wound's characteristics including exudate level, presence of infection, tissue type, and moisture balance. Dressings should maintain a moist wound environment to promote healing while managing exudate to prevent maceration and infection ¹ (Seaman, 2002). For wounds with heavy exudate, highly absorbent dressings such as alginates or foam dressings are recommended to control moisture and protect surrounding skin ¹ (Landriscina et al., 2015). In contrast, dry or minimally exuding wounds benefit from hydrogels or hydrocolloids that donate moisture and facilitate autolytic debridement ¹ (Cui et al., 2022). If infection or critical colonization is suspected, antimicrobial dressings containing silver or iodine may be appropriate to reduce bioburden ¹. The choice of dressing should also consider the wound’s depth and tissue type; for example, necrotic tissue may require dressings that support enzymatic debridement or absorb slough ¹ (Seaman, 2002). Regular reassessment is essential to adjust dressing type as the wound evolves, ensuring optimal moisture balance and infection control ¹ (Landriscina et al., 2015). Emerging polysaccharide-based hydrogels offer promising biocompatibility and tailored moisture management, representing an advanced option for chronic wounds with complex needs (Cui et al., 2022). Overall, dressing selection is a dynamic process guided by wound assessment, aiming to create an optimal healing environment by balancing moisture, protecting peri-wound skin, and managing infection risk ¹ (Seaman, 2002; Landriscina et al., 2015; Cui et al., 2022).