Exudate
1. [noun] any fluid that has exuded out of a tissue or its capillaries because of injury or inflammation. See: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/exudate ; Accessed June 10 2019
Source: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/exudate
2. [noun] a fluid rich in protein and cellular elements that oozes out of blood vessels due to inflammation and is deposited in nearby tissues. The altered permeability of blood vessels permits the passage of large molecules and solid matter through their walls. The vessels seem to weep, to sweat, in keeping with the Latin "exsudare", to sweat out, from which exudate is derived. See: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9900 ; Accessed June 10 2019 Wound Exudate Wound exudate (drainage) is a liquid produced by the body in response to tissue damage. The type of drainage is a clue to what is happening with the wound. Commonly exudates seen with wounds: Serous : clear, watery plasma. Smaller amount is normal during the inflammatory stage of wound healing. If there is moderate to heavy amount it may indicate bioburden. Sanguineous: fresh, brightly colored (new) bleeding. Small amount may be normal in the inflammatory stage of a deep partial or full thickness wound. But it may also indicate trauma to the wound bed. Serosanguinous: thin watery, pale red/pink. May indicate damage to capillaries in wound healing. Sero-purulent : thin, watery, cloudy, yellow-tan color. Purulent : thick, may be opaque. Many colors (tan, yellow, green, or brownish)
Source: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/exudate
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Latin origin of 'exudate' help us understand foot wound fluids during injury incidents?
The Latin term 'exsudare' means 'to sweat out,' yet exudate from a foot injury represents a fluid leak due to inflammation, not ordinary perspiration. This helps emphasize that the body is reacting to tissue damage rather than simply cooling down.
What common misconception might people have when they see fluid from a foot injury compared to normal foot sweat?
Many mistakenly equate exudate with regular sweat, assuming it’s from heat or exercise. In reality, the fluid in a foot wound stems from tissue damage and inflammation, and its characteristics differ from those of everyday perspiration.
How can observing the characteristics of fluid from a foot wound provide insight into the body’s response to injury?
Noticing variations—such as clear, watery fluid versus cloudier, protein-rich exudate—can indicate different stages of inflammation in the foot. This observation helps differentiate between a typical healing process and a reaction to tissue damage.