Which sign indicates an overly wet wound with peri-wound maceration?

Which sign indicates an overly wet wound with peri-wound maceration?

• A. Dry crust around wound
• B. Macerated peri-wound
• C. Firm, raised edges with no drainage
• D. Purulent drainage without redness

Answer: (B)

Overly wet wounds cause peri-wound maceration, where the skin around the wound becomes soft, pale or white, and wrinkled from excess moisture. This sign directly reflects an overly moist environment, so describing the peri-wound as macerated best fits the situation. Dry crust around the wound shows the opposite—too dry rather than too moist. Firm, raised edges with no drainage suggest a different edge condition or healing stage, not maceration. Purulent drainage without redness points to infection, not the moisture-related skin changes around the wound.

Overly wet wounds cause peri-wound maceration, where the skin around the wound becomes soft, pale or white, and wrinkled from excess moisture. This sign directly reflects an overly moist environment, so describing the peri-wound as macerated best fits the situation. Dry crust around the wound shows the opposite—too dry rather than too moist. Firm, raised edges with no drainage suggest a different edge condition or healing stage, not maceration. Purulent drainage without redness points to infection, not the moisture-related skin changes around the wound.