What does moisture balance in wound care prevent?

Moisture balance in wound care is crucial because it helps to maintain an optimal environment for wound healing. This balance prevents maceration, which occurs when tissue is overly wet, leading to softening and breakdown of the skin surrounding the wound. Macerated tissue is more susceptible to infection and can impede the healing process.

In addition to preventing maceration, maintaining moisture balance also helps avoid other complications such as excessive dryness, which can hinder the healing process by forming hard scabs that delay re-epithelialization. While moisture balance can influence biofilm formation and bleeding, the primary concern in this context is the physical integrity of the wound and surrounding tissue, making maceration the most relevant issue to prevent.