With Wound Awareness Week just around the corner, our amazing sponsor Mölnlycke shares more about their work to assist Australians living with chronic wounds. 

With more than 450,000 Australians a year affected by hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds, this year's Wound Awareness Week (1–7 September) is urging us to Be Wound Aware because 'Wounds affect EVERY Body', and even a minor injury can become a long-term problem without appropriate and timely treatment. 

However, a recent report by Wounds Australia found that 30% of respondents would not seek help because they don't think their wounds are severe enough, and one in four Australians would wait a week or more to seek attention for a wound. 

Optimal wound care starts with high-quality dressings that combine advanced technology with the science of healing. Wound dressings are more than simple coverings – they play a vital role in protecting wounds, promoting healing, and preventing serious complications such as infection. 

Hospital-quality dressings, such as Mepilex® Border Flex from Mölnlycke – a Wounds Australia Platinum Partner and official Wound Awareness Week supporter – are available from pharmacies. Mepilex® Border Flex is designed for wounds that have moderate to high amounts of wound fluid such as pressure injuries, leg and foot ulcers, traumatic wounds, surgical wounds and dry/necrotic wounds in combination with hydration gels. 

Mölnlycke, official supporter of Wound Awareness Week, is proud to supply dressings free to those who are eligible for the Government's Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme. 

Through the Government's Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme, people living with diabetes and a chronic wound who are aged 65 and over, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, may be eligible to access certain wound care products – including Mepilex® Border Flex dressings – free of charge. 

Understanding dressings

Here's what to look for in a quality dressing. 

• Protection from infection: High-quality dressings create a barrier against bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. This is especially important for hard-to-heal wounds or surgical incisions, where the risk of infection is higher. 
• Maintaining a moist environment: It is not true that 'airing' a wound aids healing. In fact, maintaining a moist environment is key to optimal wound healing. Quality wound dressings are designed to keep the wound moist, which promotes cell growth and prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab. This moist environment helps to accelerate the healing process and reduce the risk of scarring. 
• Absorbing wound fluid: The body naturally produces a fluid in response to wounds – but too much wound fluid can cause the healing environment to be too wet. High-quality dressings are designed to absorb this fluid, keeping the wound clean and preventing the skin softening and breaking down (maceration) due to prolonged exposure to moisture. This absorption helps to maintain a healthy environment for the wound to heal. 
• Providing cushioning and comfort: Quality dressings provide cushioning and support, reducing pain and preventing further injury. This is particularly important for wounds located in areas that are prone to pressure or friction, such as the heels. By providing a protective barrier, these dressings provide comfort and promote faster healing. 
• Minimising dressing changes: Changing dressings daily is outdated, and experts recommend allowing wounds to heal undisturbed as much as possible. This minimises damage to the skin around the wound and reduces the risk of infection. High-quality wound dressings are designed to stay in place and reduce the need for frequent dressing changes. Follow your healthcare professional's advice about when to change your dressings. 

Healthcare professionals can learn more about Mölnlycke wound care or request a sales visit. 

Learn more about the Government's Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme. Disclaimer: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. 

Mepilex® Border Flex can be used by lay persons under supervision of Healthcare Professionals. If you are concerned about your wound, please contact your Healthcare Professional. 

Thank you to Wound Awareness Week sponsor Mölnlycke

This article was brought to you by Mölnlycke, who have shared a range of high quality resources as part of their commitment to Wound Awareness Week, and are sponsoring a fascinating FREE Lunch Bytes webinar for clinicians on Thursday 4 September with wound expert Hayley Ryan. 

Explore their resources or register on their Partner Page.