Search Results for: wound infection

Looking Inside a Biofilm

ByLaurie Swezey

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…

An Introduction to Biofilms

ByLaurie Swezey

Our next topic for discussion within these bulletins will be the subject of biofilms. Although the term ‘biofilm’ was only coined in the 1970s, the phenomenon of microbes existing together in colonies that adhere to a surface has been recognized for decades. In 1940, Heukelekian and Heller wrote in the Journal of Bacteriology, ‘Surfaces enable…

Diagnosis of Pyoderma Gangrenosum & Risk Factors

ByLaurie Swezey

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

ByLaurie Swezey

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…

Lymphedema Classification and Characteristics

Lymphedema Classification and Characteristics

ByLaurie Swezey

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

ByLaurie Swezey

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

ByLaurie Swezey

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…

Hydrocolloid Dressings

ByLaurie Swezey

Hydrocolloids are occlusive or semi-occlusive dressings consisting of a combination of gel-forming polymers that absorb exudate slowly by swelling into a gel-like mass. Hydrocolloids have different absorption capabilities depending on their thickness and composition. Upon removal, a residue commonly remains within the wound bed, which is often mistaken as a sign of infection. Although sometimes…