All articles tagged with #wound care
Florida mom Genevieve Gallagher survived a Vibrio infection that started from a small leg cut during a boating trip; the case highlights how warm coastal waters can cause severe illness, including necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis, and she warns others to protect wounds before swimming and take basic beach-safety precautions.
Spider silk is guiding the development of new medical materials. Researchers extract silk genes and produce engineered silk proteins in microbes to create particles, gels, fibers, and 3D-printed scaffolds for drug delivery and tissue repair. These silk-based systems can biodegrade and release medicines over time, while providing biocompatible scaffolds that support cell growth and healing, with applications ranging from wound coverings to bone regeneration. The process leverages room‑temperature, water-based manufacturing that contrasts with traditional synthetic fibers.
A two-sided, plant-based wound dressing releases antibiotics within four hours on one side to block biofilm formation by more than 90% and keep a protected healing environment on the other side, using sustainable furan-based polymers for infection-fighting wound care.
CDC reports rising tetanus cases in the US over the 2009–2023 surveillance period and four pediatric tetanus cases in 2024. Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, not contagious, and prevents with vaccination and proper wound care. Symptoms can include jaw stiffness, painful muscle spasms, and breathing problems, and the disease can be fatal. Protection includes five routine tetanus-containing vaccines in childhood, boosters every 10 years for adults, boosted protection during pregnancy (Tdap), and seeking prompt care for deep puncture wounds or wounds contaminated by dirt or animal waste.
An 18-year-old Oregon teen died from a necrotizing soft tissue infection after doctors at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center treated a puncture wound without removing pine needles and debris, leading to severe infection, amputation of his arm, and death. His family has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the hospital and two doctors, alleging negligence in initial treatment and wound management.
Two ant species show advanced medical care: African Matabele ants treat wounded nestmates after raids, using antimicrobial saliva to cut infection mortality by up to 90% and triaging injuries; Florida carpenter ants, lacking this saliva, amputate injured legs (above the femur) or groom lower-leg wounds to optimize survival, with untreated ants about 40% likely to die, amputations yielding around 90% survival and lower-leg injuries about 75%. The findings from Erik T. Frank's work reveal sophisticated non-human medical strategies and nuanced social care in ants.
UKHSA says 59 confirmed Burkholderia stabilis infections, including one death, are linked to non-sterile wet wipes and is urging the public to stop using them and dispose of affected brands to prevent further cases.
A KAIST team has developed AGCL, a sprayable powder that instantly gels on contact with blood to seal wounds in one second, outperforming current hemostats in mouse models, and offering durable, antibacterial, and tissue-healing benefits for battlefield and civilian use.
A pharmacist named Dr. Jamie Martinez shared the five essential products she always keeps in her medicine cabinet. These include Benadryl for allergic reactions, MediHoney as a wound treatment, Ibuprofen for pain relief, Phenazopyridine for urinary pain, and sunscreen to protect against skin cancer. Dr. Martinez advises using Benadryl sparingly due to potential links to dementia and prefers MediHoney over Neosporin. Ibuprofen is recommended for minor aches and pains, Phenazopyridine helps with urinary pain, and sunscreen is crucial for preventing melanoma.
Baltimore's harm reduction vans, which provide clean needles to people addicted to opioids, are now seeing an increase in individuals needing serious wound care due to the use of xylazine, a drug used by dealers to enhance the effects of fentanyl. Xylazine causes deep flesh wounds that can lead to severe infections and hinder addiction treatment. The wound care kits distributed by the vans include supplies like medical tape and disinfectant. The prevalence of xylazine is growing, with the drug being detected in opioids in 48 states. Baltimore also offers more extensive care through mobile clinics staffed with nurse practitioners.
IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis is one of only five hospitals in the country to employ a full-time dietician in its wound care center, making a significant impact on patient outcomes. Andrea Haydon, who had a severe skin infection, found that nutrition deficiencies were responsible for her slow healing. The team at the IU Health Wound Care Center identified her lack of protein and vitamin C and implemented a nutrition care plan, resulting in a more rapid healing process. Specialized physical therapists also played a role in her recovery. Haydon praised the team for their holistic approach to patient care.
A 76-year-old male with frequent nighttime urination problems was prescribed tamsulosin and tadalafil, but they were not effective. The problem could be an enlarged prostate or an overactive bladder, which can be distinguished by specialized tools available with urologists. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat radiation-induced wounds, but it may take months to heal. Wound care experts typically include plastic surgeons and wound care nurses.
Men with increased urinary frequency in the nighttime may have an enlarged prostate, which can be treated with medications like Tamsulosin or Tadalafil. However, an overactive bladder can also cause similar symptoms, and a urologist can help distinguish between the two. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be effective in treating radiation-induced wounds, but it may take months to heal and should be used in addition to standard wound care practices.
A man from Florida contracted flesh-eating bacteria after being bitten on the upper thigh by a family member during a physical altercation. The wound worsened over a few days, becoming red, swollen, and painful to the touch. The man was treated by a wound care specialist and is now on the fast track to recovery. Flesh-eating disease is a life-threatening condition caused by a variety of different strains of bacteria, including group A strep and other bacteria found in water, dirt, or saliva.
A man from Tampa Bay was infected with flesh-eating bacteria after being bitten by a relative. The infection started from a bite on his leg, which led to the removal of 70% of the tissue in the front of his thigh. Doctors say they have never seen a case like this before. The bacteria, known as necrotizing fasciitis, kills tissue that surrounds muscles and nerves. The man spent almost three weeks recovering in the hospital and underwent surgery and wound care treatment. He hopes his story will encourage others to be cautious and get wounds checked by medical professionals.