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10:45
Deep Dermal Injection As a Model of Candida albicans Skin Infection for Histological Analyses
Published on: June 13, 2018
Approach to infected skin ulcers
Christopher Frank1, Imaan Bayoumi, Claire Westendorp
1St. mary's of the Lake Hospital, Kingston, ON. frankc@pccchealth.org
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|October 28, 2005
Summary
Diagnosing and managing infected chronic skin ulcers requires a holistic patient approach, recognizing bacterial progression from colonization to infection. Clinical signs are key, and further research is needed for better assessment and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Wound Care
Background:
- Chronic skin ulcers present a significant clinical challenge.
- Bacterial presence in wounds ranges from contamination to infection, impacting healing.
- Understanding this continuum is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current diagnosis and management strategies for infected chronic skin ulcers.
- To synthesize evidence from clinical practice guidelines and expert opinions.
Main Methods:
- Searched Cochrane database, MEDLINE, and Google for wound care clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).
- Included expert and consensus opinions from leading wound care advisory boards.
- Evaluated evidence levels, with most recommendations being Level II or III.
Main Results:
- Bacterial progression in ulcers includes contamination, colonization, critical colonization, and infection.
- Critical colonization may not show overt signs but impedes healing.
- Clinical acumen combined with good-quality swab samples aids diagnosis; iodine, silver dressings, and antibiotics are therapeutic options.
Conclusions:
- Diagnosis of chronic wound infection relies on clinical signs and a comprehensive patient assessment.
- There is an ongoing need for more research into the assessment and treatment of skin ulcer infections.
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