131 Lateral Wicking, Good or Bad

The ability of polyurethane sponge dressings to absorb and contain wound fluid is often insufficient, resulting in maceration and eczema. The term lateral wicking has been used to describe the fluid film between the peri‐ulcer skin and the dressing surface, responsible for the maceration. A “within dressing” lateral wicking is where the wound fluid is absorbed above the ulcer and transported laterally within the dressing without affecting the peri‐ulcer skin. We wanted to test this phenomenon in a new type of dressing with a silicon surface towards the wound, a polyurethane sponge layer with enclosed absorbent particles and a vapour permeable outer layer. A pump delivered 10 ml per hr of equine serum to a 1 sq cm surface at the centre of the dressings. The experiment went on for 2.5 hours. Seven dressings of each type were used in the experiment. The top and bottom aspects of the dressings were photographed at 30 min interval. In the new ulcer dressing the serum was absorbed and distributed in a “within dressing” lateral wicking. In the established dressing an “under dressing” lateral wicking took place leading to erratic distribution of absorption often at the margin of the dressing instead of over the centre. Conclusion Enhancing lateral wicking within a chronic ulcer dressing is a realistic way of optimising its fluid handling characteristics. In this experimental set‐up the new ulcer dressing performed as intended while the conventional dressing did not. Improved fluid handling characteristics are needed in today’s advanced dressings however, the importance of this phenomenon in the clinical situation must be tested in clinical trials.