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This topic details the considerations for choosing a dressing, including:

• moisture balance
• cost
• previous reactions to a dressing
• retaining a dressing
• protecting skin around the wound.

Dressings for specific ulcer or wound characteristics are also discussed, including:

• cavity wounds
• infected wounds
• malodorous wounds
• wounds with hypergranulation tissue
• painful wounds.

Guides to choosing an ulcer or wound dressing are provided. See:

• Overview of appropriate wound dressings based on wound characteristics for an overview of appropriate wound dressings based on the wound characteristics
• c_lwg2-c17-s4.html#lwg2-c17-s4__tlwg2-c17-tbl15 for advice on how to choose a new dressing after a dressing change.