Mixed lymphovenous oedema with leg ulceration: a case study.
Necrotizing skin infections, although rare, have proven difficult to manage and treat in a wide range of patient groups. The risks of extensive tissue necrosis, systemic sepsis and potentially organ failure make this disease one which health-care professionals must be aware of. Treatment involves rapid debridement and intensive therapy including broad-spectrum antibiotics. Appropriate wound care is essential as is a great deal of psychological support for the patient and relatives. This article also highlights some of the risk factors which may pre-dispose a patient to infection.
McCann
M
M
St George's Hospital, London. melanie.mccann@stgeorges.nhs.uk
Ovens
L
L
Louison
P
P
Elliott
V
V
D000368:Aged; D001458:Bandages; D015984:Causality; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D017592:Skin Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*