Wound infections: identification, prevention and management

Case Scenario

Mrs Burns, aged 50 years, comes into the pharmacy with a radiation burn that was left open for a week. Hydrocortisone 0.5% with lidocaine 5% ointment and a low-adherent pad was recommended at the time; however, her wound is now quite sore (6/10). Her general practitioner has referred her to see the Wound Care Pharmacist for further advice.

Wound size: 4 x 7 cm

Medical history: Recent radiation therapy for cancer (in remission). No allergies or medicines.

Introduction

Wound infection is a challenging part of wound care management, and systemic antibiotics are commonly prescribed as a treatment of choice for infection.¹ However, inappropriate and widespread use of systemic and topical antibiotics are resulting in increased prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).¹ Chronic wounds affect 2–5% of the population worldwide.² Accurately identifying the signs and symptoms of wound infection and prompt treatment using evidence-based practice are critical to effective wound infection management,³ and prevention of wound complications and chronic wounds.