Treatment of chronic wounds with occlusive dressings

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the microbiota of chronic wounds in lower limbs. BASIC PROCEDURES: This prospective study was accomplished among patients who were in treatment for lower limbs chronic wounds according to a protocol which establishes the use of interactive dressings. Data collection and swab cultures were done in two different moments: first, during the patient's first assessment, and second, during the 12th dressing change, approximately 45 days after starting treatment. FINDINGS: All wounds had two to four colonies simultaneously and showed changes in their microbiota during the treatment. No patients developed wound infections during the study. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the comprehension of wound topic treatment. Results suggest that the treatment protocol promotes changes in the microbiota which are favorable to the wound healing. It is important to healthcare providers to understand which changes occur in a wound during a specific treatment, especially when it proves to be efficient and low cost.