INFECTION PREVENTION Avadim Health, Inc.’s Lombardo agrees
it is vital for healthcare staff to keep their skin, hands and faces clean and disinfected to help shield against contagious pathogens. “When skin breakdown occurs under
PPE, it can lead to more frequent touching or scratching of the broken skin and incorrect or premature removal of PPE, which gives viruses and bacteria the ability to penetrate the body and access the circulatory system,” he shared. “Theraworx Protect helps protect the hands and the face, particularly the T-zone (eyes, nose and mouth)—an area that leaves us most vulnerable to infection.” For some COVID-19 patients, a rash may develop that is linked to the infection, describes Sigurjonsson of Kerecis. “One unusual symptom of COVID-19 is
a rash, which has been nicknamed “COVID toes,” he stated. “The red-purple, tender or itchy bumps develop mostly on the toes, heels and fi ngers. lthough the ury is still out regarding the cause, many experts think that COVID toes may be one of the ways the body responds to the virus.”
What’s next in wound, skin care As COVID-19 has sidelined or discouraged many people from seeking medical care, wound conditions may become more chal- lenging to treat, notes Kerecis’ Sigurjonsson.
“We expect wound care to become a bigger issue because so many patients did not get treated during the pandemic,” Sigurjonsson said. “As a result, their wounds have become more serious and may require treatment in a hospital setting. It’s likely that hospitals will be able to treat only the most complex wounds, and that patients with less serious conditions will be treated elsewhere.” ConvaTec Inc.’s Rian predicts advance-
ments in wound and skin care appli- cations that can help patients with challenging conditions to safely recover at home.
“Wound care treatment modalities and
skin care products will continue to evolve, with new components, materials and innovations developed to more effectively manage complex, non-healing wounds,” she explained. “The full impact of the coronavirus pandemic remains to be seen, but the need to have advanced wound care dressings that can effectively manage the hard-to-heal wounds of patients cared for at home will likely intensify. With the increase in COVID-19 patients requiring critical care, along with proning these patients who develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, the use of dressings, such as AQUACEL Foam Pro, for skin
protection from pressure injury will con- tinue to be an important intervention.” Greater knowledge of the skin’s make- up and restorative properties will be a concentration in the future of care, foresees Avadim Health, Inc.’s Lombardo. “As we understand more about the role of the skin’s microbiome and the important role of antimicrobial peptides in infection prevention and skin and tissue restora- tion, we’re very close to having products on the market that can protect wounds from infection and biofi lm formation and adherence re-establish healthy in am- matory response and cellular renewal, and encourage tissue oxygenation – all in a way that’s safe and comfortable for the patient and healthcare providers,” Lombardo expressed.
Gray and Forsberg of Essity envision ongoing education about wound care and prevention, as well as wish for the equip- ment needed to safely care for patients. “Obesity and other co-morbid conditions make caring for these patients challeng- ing,” Gray said. “As nurses, we need to be vigilant when developing care plans. Hopefully, resources, such as lifts, transfer sheets, low air-loss surfaces, foams, breath- able briefs, etc., will be readily available in all facilities.” HPN
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