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,…

Types of Pyoderma Gangrenosum

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Pyoderma gangrenosum is a  rare but serious ulcerating skin disease, which can present in many forms and to a variety of health professionals. This means a diagnosis of the condition is often delayed, lead to serious clinical consequences for the patient. [1] Pyoderma gangrenosum presents most commonly on the lower legs, particularly in the pretibial…

A New Topic on WoundTalk – Pyoderma Gangrenosum

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The last few weeks on WoundTalk have been devoted to a discussion of lymphedema.  Our new subject for discussion will be pyoderma gangrenosum, an uncommon but potentially incapacitating condition that is still not fully understood. As well as providing a comprehensive overview of this condition, we will also provide resources to assist you in understanding…

Lymphedema – Summary

Lymphedema – Summary

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Lymphedema is a notoriously debilitating progressive condition with no known cure. The condition is cause by a defect in the lymphatic system, resulting in an abnormal collection of excess tissue proteins, edema, chronic inflammation and fibrosis. It is estimated that between 3 and 5 million patients in the United States suffer from lymphedema,1 and many…

Lymphedema Classification and Characteristics

Lymphedema Classification and Characteristics

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The term lymphedema describes a condition in which lymphatic fluid accumulates in the interstitium causing swelling and a feeling of heaviness or weakness in the affected area, usually the arms and legs.1 Lymphedema Classification Lymphedema may be classified either as primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema develops as a consequence of a pathologic congenital and/or hereditary…

Lymphedema Risk Factors and Diagnosis

Lymphedema Risk Factors and Diagnosis

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Lymphedema is a debilitating condition in which lymphatic fluid accumulates in the interstitium causing swelling and a feeling of heaviness or weakness in the affected area, usually the arms and legs.1 Lymphedema Risk Factors A number of factors are known to increase the risk of developing lymphedema, with cancer treatment being a major risk. Lymph-node…

Lymphedema – Overview and Etiology

Lymphedema – Overview and Etiology

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What is lymphedema? Lymphedema describes an abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitium causing swelling and a feeling of heaviness or weakness in the affected area. Lymphedema most commonly affects the arms and legs, but can sometimes also occur in other parts of the body.1 Interest in lymphedema has traditionally been limited, partly because…

NPWT – Removing the Pressure in Wound Management

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Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT)  is rapidly becoming a mainstay in chronic wound management.[1] This technique is a topical intervention widely used to treat problematic acute and chronic wounds that do not respond to conventional moist wound healing techniques.  A negative pressure, typically -125 mmHg, is applied to the wound bed, removing excess exudate and helping…