Search Results for: wound bed

An Introduction to Sickle Cell Ulcers

ByLaurie Swezey

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…

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…

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…

Causes and Treatment of Venous Stasis Ulcers

ByLaurie Swezey

Lower extremity venous stasis ulcers represent approximately 80% of the leg ulcers typically seen in wound care facilities. The following statistics help to bring home the seriousness and chronicity of this common health problem: Healing time for venous stasis ulcers averages 24 weeks Approximately 15% of these ulcers will never heal In 15 to 71%…

Foam Dressings

ByLaurie Swezey

Foams are absorbent dressings that are available either in adhesive or non-adhesive form. They are often used as a primary dressing, but may also be used as a secondary dressings in some circumstances. Some foam dressings are thin, while others are thicker and provide greater cushioning and absorption. Foams are formed from polymers, such as…