Cancer wounds

Unfortunately, these wounds are often malodorous, and produce lots of exudate (wound fluid). They also bleed easily. Some patients who have radiotherapy may experience skin reddening and breakdown in the area. These are called radiation reactions.

Infection

In caring for such wound, the aim is generally to manage the exudate, odour, bleeding and pain. Also, importantly, care should be taken to prevent wound infection, which is very much a risk when the wound has lots of exudate. Keep the wound clean to avoid infection and minimise pain. Signs of infection include:

• An increase or a change in pain
• Odour from the wound
• Increased redness
• Swelling
• An increase in the amount and colour of exudate (fluid) from the wound
• A high temperature

Radiation reactions

Radiotherapy (or radiation treatment) treats cancer by using high-energy rays. Because the radiation is concentrated in one area, after 2-3 weeks of treatment, the skin may react and become friable (thin). 

These reactions are graded according to their severity:

• Grade 1: Redness, heat, pain, sometimes itching and swelling. This is a common skin reaction, affecting almost all patients 
• Grade 2: Redness, itching, dryness and peeling of the skin. This affects about 45% of patients 
• Grade 3: The skin is purple-red, moist, hot, and painful. Exudate (wound fluid) and/or blisters may be present 
• Grade 4: The skin is dead and black. Very rare 
  

The skin should be washed with lukewarm water and a non-perfumed soap. If you have a grade 3 reaction, you should use lukewarm normal saline, which will be provided by your healthcare professional.

Dressings

You will need to use a dressing that protects the wound and the surrounding skin. If there is exudate from the wound, you will need to use an absorbent dressing.

Fungating wounds

These wounds occur where an underlying malignant growth (tumour) breaks through the skin.  They are susceptible to infection, and often contain dead tissue, which causes odour.
The most common symptoms are: 

• Exudate (wound fluid)
• Odour
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Itching
  

A number of suitable dressings can be found if you click on the ‘our solutions’ tab.

Dressing changes

Some dressings can take off the ‘top’ of the wound (the ‘wound bed’) and the skin around the wound, which again can be painful. You will need to use a dressing that protects the wound and the surrounding skin.

Help

Mölnlycke Health Care dressings have a special, gentle adhesive which means that they cause little or no pain when they are taken off. This is called Safetac^® technology. Click here to learn more about Safetac technology. Your doctor or nurse will know which of the dressings are best to use for your wound.

If you want to learn more about pain and how you can minimise it, please visit our Pain centre by clicking the button.