Negative-pressure wound therapy for hospitalised patients: a paradigm shift
Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is widely available, but due to the high cost of the treatment, it is not used to its full potential. Worldwide, wound care providers are trying to facilitate a more practical and cost-effective way of providing this essential therapy. Thus far, none of the low-cost solutions could solve the “tethered to the bed” problem of the wall suction technique. One disconnectable solution was published, but the tubing did not automatically seal off. We designed a tubing (Woundprep®) that works with Luer connectors, which is well known to nursing staff. The connectors allow the patient or medical staff to easily and electively disconnect and reconnect the tubing for bathroom breaks, special investigations, or daily linen changes.
Copper Dressings as part of the armamentarium in the fight against wounds – much more than an antimicrobial
Copper is a vital mineral essential for various physiological processes across all body tissues, including the skin. It plays a crucial role in wound healing by interacting with key wound healing stimulating factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) during haemostasis, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as angiogenin during angiogenesis in the proliferation phase. Copper also supports the secretion of collagens and elastin by dermal fibroblasts and the activity of lysyl oxidase (LOX) for extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and stabilisation during the proliferation and remodelling phases. Additionally, copper modulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which are key enzymes involved in debridement and skin remodelling. A copper deficiency could delay wound healing. Copper furthermore also acts as a cofactor for superoxide dismutase,5 protecting against oxidative stress, and for tyrosinase, which is vital for melanin production and skin pigmentation.
Custom foot orthosis offloading for the management of a plantar pressure foot ulcer
Chronic wounds are “wounds that fail to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing in an orderly and timely manner.” These wounds include diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and arterial ulcers. Ulcers occur where a predisposing condition impairs the ability of the tissue to maintain its integrity or heal from damage. Ulcers may present as superficial or deep, extending to the bone, and may track under the tissue so that an extensive area of damage is not visible on the skin’s surface (Table I). Pressure ulcers often develop because of persistent mechanical stress.
Soft tissue infection of the scalp complicated by mucormycosis in an immunocompromised patient: a case report
Mucormycosis is a rare but life-threatening angioinvasive fungal infection. It is opportunistic in nature, mainly affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes or ketoacidosis. It has various clinical syndromes, with rhinoorbital-cerebral (affecting the sinuses, eyes, and brain) infection being the most common. However, primary cutaneous mucormycosis is also described, typically as a complication of trauma or wounds.
An unexpected encounter: cutaneous leishmaniasis in wound care
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection caused by the Leishmania species. Infected sandflies transmit it, and it is endemic in certain parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis present with single or multiple skin lesions at the bite site. In most cases, the lesions resolve spontaneously, but others will persist for years and need treatment to resolve.