Malodour is a potentially distressing complication of chronic wounds, and it is one that is frequently managed within community settings. Malodorous wounds are primarily caused by anaerobic bacterial colonisation and sloughy or necrotic tissue. Malodorous wounds are frequently a challenge to the clinician as well as the patient, their family members and carers. They have a significant impact on overall wellbeing, sleep, social interactions, diet and, potentially, wound healing. Understanding the cause of malodorous wounds, alongside developing assessment and management skills, can improve care for clinical and psychological patients, as well as being clinically cost effective. The author offers a structured approach for assessing and managing malodorous wounds in the community setting. It outlines the importance of holistic assessment, antimicrobial stewardship, psychological support and emerging innovations. The article also highlights the limitations in current assessment tools and the need for validated quality of life measures specific to malodorous wounds.
Keywords: antimicrobial stewardship; chronic wounds; community nursing; malodorous wounds; odour control; quality of life; wound infection; wound odour.