» Prevent or delay a wound’s normal
healing process (Weir et al, 2007);
» Mimic or hide infection;
» Attract bacteria to the wound,
increasing the risk of infection
(O’Brien, 2002);
» Prevent practitioners from assessing
the extent and size of the wound, which
is particularly problematic when
staging pressure ulcer damage (Weir et
al, 2007);
» Increase odour and exudate (Vowden
and Vowden, 2011).