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…
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…
As wound care practitioners, we become very used to seeing and assessing new wounds and tend to follow the necessary procedures routinely without necessarily stopping to think about what we are doing. For this reason, it is worth taking a few moments to consider one of the most important part of a wound examination –…
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…
Transparent film dressings are thin, flexible sheets of clear polyurethane incorporating an adhesive coating on one side to allow adherence to the skin. The adhesive reacts with wound fluid to prevent adhesion to the wound bed, while allowing the dressing to stick to the dry, periwound skin. Film dressings are highly elastic and conformable to…
Arterial ulcers are almost always located in the lower extremities; because of the increased distance blood must travel to reach those areas. Arterial insufficiency ulcers are commonly located on the toes, either dorsally or distally. Trauma is a leading precipitating factor in arterial- ulcer development, so potential causes of trauma should be assessed for ulcers…
Venous ulcers can be debilitating, painful, and challenging to treat for healthcare professionals. It is reported that between 10 and 35% of the population has some form of venous disease and that 80 to 95% of leg ulcers are a result of chronic venous disease (Kline & Sieggreen, 2004). What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? Chronic…
