Today's story for health professionals is brought to you by Mölnlycke, Wounds Australia Platinum Partner and sponsor of Thursday 1 October during Wound Awareness Week.

When we think about hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds, we often focus on healing. But for many Australians living with venous leg ulcers and other wounds that produce large amounts of wound fluid, one of the most challenging aspects of daily life is something more visible: wound leakage.

In line with Wound Awareness Week's Save Our Skin theme, we're highlighting why protecting skin is just as important as healing the wound itself. For people living with venous leg ulcers, wound leakage can affect skin integrity, comfort, confidence and quality of life.

When wound fluid threatens skin integrity

Wound leakage occurs when excess wound fluid escapes and is not adequately absorbed by the dressing. Excess wound fluid is typical in venous leg ulcers and, for people living with them, this can be more than an inconvenience. Prolonged exposure to wound fluid can damage the healthy skin surrounding the wound, causing it to become soft and break down, a condition known as maceration. This can lead to the wound becoming larger, increase in discomfort and delay healing.

The effects of leakage extend beyond the wound itself. Frequent dressing changes may be required, while leakage can stain clothing and bedding, restrict mobility, and make everyday activities more difficult. Many people also experience embarrassment, frustration and anxiety due to concerns about odour, visible staining, or unexpected leakage. These challenges can affect confidence, emotional wellbeing and independence. They may even lead some people to withdraw from social activities.

Preserving healthy skin to support better outcomes

Healthy peri-wound skin is critical to wound healing. Damage caused by moisture, wound leakage, or friction can increase the risk of complications and delay recovery. Through the Save Our Skin campaign this Wound Awareness Week, Mölnlycke® is encouraging anyone caring for wounds to prioritise skin protection as a key part of wound management, helping improve outcomes, comfort and quality of life for people living with hard-to-heal wounds.

Protect skin. Manage leakage. Request a free sample* of Mepilex® Up

Mepilex® Up is designed to effectively manage wound fluid while helping to protect vulnerable skin, supporting a better healing environment for patients with hard-to-heal wounds. Mepilex® Up is indicated for wounds such as leg and foot ulcers, pressure injuries and traumatic wounds.

As part of Wound Awareness Week, healthcare professionals are invited to request a complimentary Mepilex® Up sample and explore resources from the Save Our Skin Hub.

How to get involved/Take action now

If you're a healthcare professional and you'd like to learn more, here are some easy actions you can take to upskill.

☑ Request your complimentary Mepilex® Up sample*.

☑ Explore resources from the Save Our Skin Hub.

☑ Register now for our special Lunch Bytes webinar with Dr Michelle Gibb, "The best wound is the one that never occurs: that's why saving skin matters" on Thursday 1 October at 12pm AEST. This thought-provoking webinar explores why protecting skin should be the first step in wound prevention and management, and how small interventions can make a meaningful difference to patient outcomes.

About Wound Awareness Week

Held each September, Wound Awareness Week is Wounds Australia's national annual awareness-raising initiative – a chance to show support for 450,000 Australians living with chronic wounds each year by upskilling through free daily Lunch Bytes webinars, exploring sponsored educational resources, sharing our message on social media or hosting a morning tea fundraiser. Explore the website: woundaware.org.

More information

Mepilex® Up is suitable for use in both clinical and home care settings. It can be used by lay persons under supervision of healthcare professionals. If you are concerned about your wound, please contact your healthcare professional. 

 ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE.

*Only applicable to Healthcare Professionals. Get in quick; limited samples available.