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…

The Importance of Maintaining Moisture Balance

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Before the seminal research of the 1960s, it was widely believed that wound healing could be encouraged by maintaining a dry wound bed. Despite all the evidence amassed over the intervening years to confirm the benefits of maintaining a moist healing environment, many patients still appear skeptical and instinctively averse to the idea of moisture…

Evidence-Based Medicine in Clinical Decision Making

Previous articles have considered the importance of recording a full patient history, undertaking a thorough systems review, and making appropriate use of the different tests and measures available when confronted with a new wound care patient. Armed with the information from these different examinations, the wound care professional is now in a position to make…

Causes and Treatment of Venous Stasis Ulcers

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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%…

Wound Characteristics that Affect Wound Healing

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As well as systemic and local factors, a number of the wound’s own inherent characteristics affect the rate of wound closure and wound healing. It is important to understand these factors so that they can be managed optimally as part of an overall strategy to help achieve wound closure. There are eight wound characteristics that…