Flammacérium in the formation and stabilisation of eschar in chronic wounds.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of Flammacérium, a topical treatment used in the treatment of burns, in the stabilisation of necrosis in non-healing wounds. The therapy is designed to prevent the risk of infection, stop necrosis from spreading and improve the patient's quality of life.


METHODS
This retrospective survey involved patients with necrotic, non-healing wounds who had been treated with Flammacérium. In all cases, debridement was contraindicated. Available data on wound evolution were collected.


RESULTS
Ninety-nine patient files were analysed and the wound aetiologies included in the survey were classified as arterial (n=42), malignant (n=5), pressure ulcers (n=30), traumatic wounds (n=10) and other wounds (n=12). The formation of a leather-like eschar induced by topical use of Flammacérium improved pain management, decreased exudate levels and malodour, and had a positive effect on quality of life, increasing patient comfort, participation in social activity and psychological wellbeing. Following application of the cream, an eschar develops that strongly adheres to wound edges. By preventing the necrosis from spreading, this gave the practitioners more time to prepare for subsequent treatment, including skin grafting.


CONCLUSIONS
Flammacérium seems to be effective in the stabilisation of necrosis in non-healing wounds in which debridement is contraindicated. However, this study is limited by its retrospective nature. A prospective study will hopefully confirm and strengthen these results.
Signe-Picard
C
C
Lapeyronie Hospital, University Hospital, Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Cerdan
M-I
MI
Naggara
C
C
Téot
L
L
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001458:Bandages; D002056:Burns / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D002563:Cerium / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D000075202:Contraindications; D003646:Debridement; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D004338:Drug Combinations; C046337:cerous nitrate, sulfadiazine silver drug combination; D002563:Cerium; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine