Managing venous leg ulcers using compression therapy and dressings.

Patient comfort and satisfaction with both compression therapy and wound care are critical to the success of venous leg ulcer treatment. This study observed 22 patients with venous leg ulcers treated over 12 weeks with two-layer compression hosiery and a range of wound dressings. The mean duration of the ulcers was 10.

Persistent pelvic pain: rising to the challenge.

Persistent pelvic pain is a common condition, with up to 20% of those affected reporting severe pain. Once end organ disease has been assessed, further investigations should be minimised. Persistent pelvic pain as a hyperalgesic neuropathic pain condition must be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Wound care for injecting drug users: part 1.

Part one of this article focuses on the types of injection-related wounds that may occur in the intravenous (IV) drug user. Strategies are identified to manage the complex needs of this patient group and practical guidance about treatment is provided to help promote good patient outcomes. The importance of nutrition in promoting wound healing is outlined.

Wound care for injecting drug users: part 2.

Part one of this article, published last week, examined the issues associated with injecting drug use and the overall management of patients presenting with injection drug-related wounds. In part two of this article, the focus is on the physical problems associated with injecting drug use, in particular the development of leg ulcers. The article provides nurses with practical guidance on assessment and management of leg ulcers, including compression therapy.

Evaluating Cutimed Sorbact: using a case study approach.

This article uses a case study approach to demonstrate good clinical outcomes using a bacterial binding dressing range on a variety of difficult wounds. A case study approach can demonstrate a clinician's perspective on the practicalities of dressing choice in practice. All wounds, whether acute or chronic, offer pathogenic micro-organisms the opportunity to flourish - this can result in slow healing.

The new Start dressing range--Urgotul Start, UrgoCell Start.

Delayed wound healing has implications both for the clinician and the patient, as well as having a financial burden on the National Health Service. UrgoCell Start and Urgotul Start are the first dressings on the drug tariff to be impregnated with Nano-OligoSaccharide Factor (NOSF), a new compound that aims to promote wound closure through the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. The dressings are designed to 'kick-start' wounds that are at risk of delayed healing.