Maceration in wound assessment refers to which condition?

Maceration in wound assessment refers to which condition?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Overhydration
• C. Necrosis
• D. Edema

Answer: (B)

Maceration is the softening and whitening of skin caused by prolonged exposure to moisture around a wound. This reflects overhydration of the skin from wound drainage, perspiration, or incontinence products. Because the skin is overhydrated, it becomes fragile, more prone to breakdown, and can impede healing. It’s not dehydration (which would dry the skin), not necrosis (dead tissue, typically dark and nonviable), and not edema (general swelling from fluid in deeper tissue), though excessive moisture can accompany edema. Managing moisture around the wound with appropriate dressings and barrier protection helps prevent further skin damage and supports healing.

Maceration is the softening and whitening of skin caused by prolonged exposure to moisture around a wound. This reflects overhydration of the skin from wound drainage, perspiration, or incontinence products. Because the skin is overhydrated, it becomes fragile, more prone to breakdown, and can impede healing. It’s not dehydration (which would dry the skin), not necrosis (dead tissue, typically dark and nonviable), and not edema (general swelling from fluid in deeper tissue), though excessive moisture can accompany edema. Managing moisture around the wound with appropriate dressings and barrier protection helps prevent further skin damage and supports healing.