Highly exuding wounds can affect people of all ages, often causing distress, anxiety and social isolation. Managing these challenging wounds can also represent a significant cost to the NHS. This article looks at exudate and the difference between normal and excessive exudate and examines the causes of a high volume of exudate and its effect on the patient. Exudate assessment is an important part of holistic assessment, which is also explored in the article. Strategies GPNs can employ to manage exudate, including wound dressings and other devices, are then discussed.