Wound infection Resources

This article describes the wound infection continuum in surgical, acute and chronic wounds. The phases are: contamination, colonisation, local infection and finally spreading and systemic infection. Clinicians need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of local infection in order to put strategies in place to prevent a ‘full blown’ wound infection and to recognise how the signs and symptoms differ by wound type. The article looks at the
most recent guidance on wound infection management strategies, together with the identification and treatment of suspected biofilms and the two-week challenge, used in clinical practice to disrupt biofilms. Wound cleansing and the use of antimicrobial dressings
and topical antiseptics are also discussed.

It can be a bit daunting when you are faced with a complex, chronic wound that is failing to progress. What makes a chronic wound hardto- heal and where do you start with its management? It can also be challenging for patients because the wound may be affecting their quality of life, often causing a high volume of exudate, increased pain or discomfort and malodour (Atkins et al, 2019). This article describes what can make a wound become hard-to-heal and offers guidance on assessment and management and how the use of a collagen wound dressing, Cutimed® Epiona (Essity), can help promote wound healing.