An overview of neonatal and pediatric wound care knowledge and considerations.
Despite significant technological advances in the care of premature neonates and chronically ill children, the knowledge and evidence base for the management of this population's wound care lag far behind its adult counterpart. Updating antiquated care regimens is an uphill battle. This review of the literature seeks to illuminate key anatomical/structural differences in neonatal skin with particular attention paid to percutaneous absorption and tolerance of adhesives. The article also presents anatomically and physiologically based recommendations for the selection of prevention and treatment modalities, including specific dressing types, appropriate dressing change and securement procedures, and pain management. Commonly encountered wound types (epidermal stripping; surgical wounds; extravasation and thermal injuries; chemical burns; pressure ulcers; diaper dermatitis; and wounds secondary to congenital conditions) are discussed. Opportunities for research abound and are considered.
Baharestani
Mona Mylene
MM
Wound Healing, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Schneider Children's Hospital, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA. mbahares@nshs.edu
D001458:Bandages; D019985:Benchmarking; D002056:Burns / Q000451:nursing; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003963:Diaper Rash / Q000451:nursing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000451:nursing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*