Dressings for venous ulcers should be...

For venous ulcers, the primary goals of treatment are to promote healing, provide moisture, and manage exudate. Dressings that are absorbent and provide compression are especially effective in managing venous ulcers.

Absorbent dressings help contain any fluid that is exuded from the ulcer, preventing maceration of the surrounding skin, which is crucial for healing. Additionally, applying compression aids in reducing venous hypertension by improving venous return. This dual approach of moist wound healing combined with compression therapy addresses the underlying venous insufficiency and contributes to the resolution of the ulcer.

In contrast, dressings that are dry do not offer the moisture necessary for optimal healing and can lead to tissue desiccation, which could hinder healing. Wet dressings may provide some moisture but lack the necessary protective and absorbent qualities to effectively manage exudate and promote healing. Wet-to-dry dressings are primarily used for debridement in more complex wounds rather than for venous ulcers, where the focus is on maintaining a moist and absorbent environment. Therefore, the combination of an absorbent dressing with compression is the most effective approach for treating venous ulcers.