It is well accepted that exudate plays a vital role in wound healing by maintaining moisture balance, promoting tissue repair, and facilitating the transport of cells and mediators essential for healing. However, excessive volumes, inappropriate distribution, or altered composition can delay healing and contribute to skin complications. Inadequate exudate management can also negatively impact patients’ quality of life (QoL), increase clinical burden and place additional demands on healthcare resources.
The World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) last published guidance on exudate management in 2019 with the first edition of the consensus document ‘Wound Exudate: Effective Assessment and Management’. Since then, the wound care landscape has advanced. New and more sophisticated approaches to wound healing and exudate management have emerged, alongside an increasing emphasis on patient-centred care, integrated treatment pathways and cost-effective healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, there is increasing recognition of the role of compression therapy in supporting wound healing by controlling oedema. Updated guidance is therefore needed to reflect these developments and to clarify the role of exudate management within contemporary clinical practice.
As a result of identifying the need for updated guidance, an international group of experts met in May 2026 to discuss current evidence and experiences of exudate management, with the aim of developing the consensus document for this updated second edition.
The document was developed through a modified consensus process. During the initial group meeting, areas of agreement were reviewed and confirmed with the group by the Chairs; after which the draft was developed and circulated to all members for review, with the opportunity to propose amendments, raise queries, or express disagreement. Majority consensus on the draft was reached before publication.
As this is a global document that aims to be useful to relevant clinicians in all geographical and care settings, we would like to acknowledge that not all products and treatment options will be available to all. These recommendations represent the ‘gold-standard’ options for care, which should be aimed for where possible, but may not always be practicable, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
This new consensus document provides up-to-date practical guidance that will assist clinicians to effectively assess and manage exudate within current treatment pathways while considering all available products and evidence. The overall aim is to support clinicians to prevent exudate-related complications, with a focus on improving outcomes for patients, with the patient being at the centre of treatment and decision-making.
Harikrishna K. R. Nair and Karen Ousey, Co-chairs
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