D Hofman1, K Moore, R Cooper, M Eagle, S Cooper. 1. Leg Ulcer Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK. deborah.hofman@orh.nhs.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Topical corticosteroids are widely used in the management of chronic wounds, yet there is little evidence to support this. This pilot study aimed to identify current practice by three specialist nurses and to assess the efficacy of topical corticosteroids. METHOD: Data on healing, pain relief, exudate reduction and control of hypergranulation tissue were collected on 34 patients whose wounds were treated with topical corticosteroids prospectively in three centres over a three-month period. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (79%) benefited from the application of topical corticosteroid either in terms of healing, pain relief, exudate reduction or the control of hypergranulation tissue. Two wounds deteriorated and treatment was immediately withdrawn. CONCLUSION: Suppression of inflammation plays an important role in healing and pain relief. Applying topical corticosteroids to the wound can accelerate healing and reduce pain in certain cases. However, careful monitoring is essential as there is a risk of sensitisation with prolonged use as well as a potential increased risk of infection.
OBJECTIVE: Topical corticosteroids are widely used in the management of chronic wounds, yet there is little evidence to support this. This pilot study aimed to identify current practice by three specialist nurses and to assess the efficacy of topical corticosteroids. METHOD: Data on healing, pain relief, exudate reduction and control of hypergranulation tissue were collected on 34 patients whose wounds were treated with topical corticosteroids prospectively in three centres over a three-month period. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (79%) benefited from the application of topical corticosteroid either in terms of healing, pain relief, exudate reduction or the control of hypergranulation tissue. Two wounds deteriorated and treatment was immediately withdrawn. CONCLUSION: Suppression of inflammation plays an important role in healing and pain relief. Applying topical corticosteroids to the wound can accelerate healing and reduce pain in certain cases. However, careful monitoring is essential as there is a risk of sensitisation with prolonged use as well as a potential increased risk of infection.
Authors: D C Bosanquet; A Rangaraj; A J Richards; A Riddell; V M Saravolac; K G Harding Journal: Ann R Coll Surg Engl Date: 2013-05 Impact factor: 1.891