Classification of Vasculitis

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Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessel wall, is associated with multiple cutaneous manifestations as well as systemic sequelae.(1-5) Opinions on the Classification of Vasculitis Opinion is divided over the best way to classify cutaneous vasculitis. Some prefer classification according to etiology, differentiating between primary (idiopathic) and secondary disease.(1) Approximately 50% of cases are idiopathic,…

Sickle Cell Ulcers: Classification and Clinical Features

Sickle cell ulcers are a common characteristic of an uncommon disease. Sickle cell disease predominantly affects black individuals, often having a seriously adverse effect on quality of life. Symptoms associated with sickle cell disease include ‘crisis’ episodes of fever and pain; severe abdominal pain; bone, joint, and back pain; and fertility problems. It has also…

An Introduction to Sickle Cell Ulcers

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Let’s look at the relatively uncommon but extremely debilitating issue of sickle cell ulcers. Sickle cell ulcers are a common manifestation of sickle cell disease, which is itself an inherited, genetic disorder of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells. Sickle Cell Ulcer Statistics Sickle cell disease is particularly common among people whose ancestors come…

Biofilms – Summary

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This week marks the end of our short series looking at different aspects of biofilms and their impact on wound healing. Although biofilms, synergistic colonies of microbes, have been a recognized phenomenon for decades, we still have no definitive effective strategy to combat them. Challenges with Biofilms The major difficulty in dealing with biofilms is…

Management of Biofilms

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As discussed over the previous two weeks’ articles, biofilms are communities of microorganisms that attach to the wound surface encasing themselves in an extracellular polysaccharide matrix.1 As biofilms can present a real barrier to wound healing, it is important that they are identified and dealt with as a matter of priority.2 The first step towards managing…

Looking Inside a Biofilm

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Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that attach to the wound surface encasing themselves in an extracellular polysaccharide matrix.1 Because multiple types of organism can exist synergistically within a biofilm, often displaying remarkable antibacterial resistance, biofilms can present a real barrier to wound healing.2 Biofilm Formation The complex molecular nature of a biofilm is not yet…

Diagnosis of Pyoderma Gangrenosum & Risk Factors

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Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare but serious ulcerating skin disease causing painful ulcers on the legs and other parts of the body. Although pyoderma gangrenosum can affect individuals of any age, it is most common in people in their 40s and 50s. It tends to be associated with inflammatory conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease,…