Wounds are estimated to account for almost 3% of total health system costs.1
Any tissue injury with an anatomical integrity disruption and a loss of functionality can be described as a wound. A skin wound results from the breakdown of the epidermal layer integrity. When we talk about wound healing, we mostly mean the healing of the skin. The wound healing begins immediately after an injury to the epidermal layer and might last for years. This dynamic process includes the highly organized cellular, humoral and molecular mechanisms. Wound healing has four overlapping phases which are hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling.2 Any disruption during these phases leads to abnormal wound healing.3
1 Lindholm C, Searle R. Wound management for the 21st century: combining effectiveness and efficiency. Int Wound J. 2016;13 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):5-15.
2Wound Healing And Repair: Overview, Types Of Wound Healing, Categories Of Wound Healing”. Emedicine.Medscape.Com, 2022
3Ozgok Kangal MK, Regan JP. Wound Healing. StatPearls 2021
Prevention of infection is crucial for the wound-healing process.
Infection is the n.1 complication of wound healing.
Once skin is injured, micro-organisms that are normally sequestered at the skin surface obtain access to the underlying tissues. Inflammation is a normal part of the wound-healing process and is important to the removal of contaminating micro-organisms. In the absence of effective decontamination, however, inflammation may be prolonged since microbial clearance is incomplete. If this continues, the wound may enter a chronic state and fail to heal.1 That’s why it is important to prevent infections in any type of skin wounds. Signs of an infected wound include redness, swelling, pain, local warmth, purulent discharge, abscess, malodour, pyrexia and delayed healing. If the patient shows any of these signs a consultation with his health care provider is recommended since various health complications can be caused by the spread of the infection.2
1 Guo S, Dipietro LA. Factors affecting wound healing. J Dent Res. 2010
2 Wound infection in clinical practice. An international consensus. Int Wound J. 2008
Up to 2 million people live with a chronic wound across Europe.1
In the USA, chronic wounds affect around 6.5 million people at any one time.1
Chronic wound is a wound that has failed to heal for a time span related to chronicity that has been defined in the range 4 weeks up to more than 3 months. Based on the causative aetiologies, the Wound Healing Society classifies chronic wounds into four categories: pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers and arterial insufficiency ulcers. Traumatic wounds, surgical incisions and burns can also turn into chronic wounds.2
Often disguised as a comorbid condition, chronic wounds represent a silent epidemic that affects a large fraction of the world population. Complications of chronic wounds include infection such as cellulitis and infective venous eczema, gangrene, haemorrhage and lower-extremity amputations. Chronic wounds lead to disability and disability worsens wound outcomes resulting in a vicious cycle.3
1 Lindholm C, Searle R. Wound management for the 21st century: combining effectiveness and efficiency. Int Wound J. 2016;13 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):5-15.
2Better health channel. Wounds – how to care for them. (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/wounds-how-to-care-for-them)
3 Järbrink, K., Ni, G., Sönnergren, H. et al. Prevalence and incidence of chronic wounds and related complications: a protocol for a systematic review. Syst Rev 5,2016
Skin aging
Skin aging consists of changes that happen with time in the three layers of skin: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. These changes differ from one person to another as they are related to sun exposure, lifestyle habits, genetics and other environmental factors. One of the changes that we see with age is the thinning of the skin. As the amount of components of the dermis like collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and elastin declines, the skin loses its elasticity and its plumpness. Simultaneously, fine lines and wrinkles start to appear, especially in the more dynamic parts of the face (around the eyes, around the lips, on the forehead). Furthermore, uneven pigmentation is seen due to changes regarding the melanocytes.1 Lifestyle and skincare practices can slow down these changes, allowing a more graceful aging.
Source:
1Farage, Miranda A et al. “Characteristics of the Aging Skin.” Advances in wound care vol. 2,1 (2013)
Following a beauty routine regularly is essential to keep our face and body looking healthy and radiant. Dermocosmetics are products that have become indispensable in our daily lives, and using them is more than just a simple gesture: it is an opportunity to express our individuality and take care of ourselves.
Facial care products, such as cleansers, moisturizers and serums, play a crucial role in our daily routine. In addition to keeping the skin clean and hydrated, using them helps protect our skin from harmful environmental effects and signs of premature aging. Investing in skin care not only leads to brighter, more even skin, but also greater self-confidence and overall well-being. Regardless of age or skin type, a targeted skin care routine can make all the difference in keeping our skin healthy and youthful over time.
Source:
Draelos, Zoe Diana. “Cosmetic Formulation of Skin Care Products.” CRC Press, 2006.
Baumann, Leslie. “Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice.” McGraw-Hill Medical, 2009.
Incidence rates of hypertrophic scarring vary from 40% to 70% following surgery to up to 91% following burn injury.1
Hypertrophic scarring represents an undesirable variant in the wound healing process that usually develops 1 to 2 months after the skin injury. In hypertrophic scars, excess connective tissue is deposited in the area of the original wound creating a thickened raised tissue that looks pink to red. They often develop on areas of the body that undergo the most skin tension. They may cause itching and sometimes be painful. Burn wounds are prone to hypertrophic scarring, especially if they affect the deeper dermis (second and third-degree burns). Regarding its epidemiology, adolescents and pregnant women may be more likely to form hypertrophic scars as well as people with darker skin complexions (15% more likely).2 Treatments include medication, freezing, injections, lasers and surgery.3
Source>:
1Gauglitz, Gerd G et al. “Hypertrophic scarring and keloids: pathomechanisms and current and emerging treatment strategies.” Molecular medicine (2011)
2 Schmieder SJ, Ferrer-Bruker SJ. Hypertrophic Scarring. StatPearls 2021
3 Cleveland Clinic.
One skin, many stories: understanding Inflammatory Skin Diseases (ISDs)
Inflammatory skin diseases (ISDs) such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne affect millions of people worldwide, with a profound impact on physical, emotional, and social well-being.
These chronic conditions often begin early in life and can follow unpredictable courses, including periods of remission and flare-ups.
Difficult to diagnose and manage, ISDs are not just skin-deep: they influence self-esteem, mental health, and overall quality of life.
1.Ujiie H, Rosmarin D, Schön MP, Ständer S, Boch K, Metz M, et al. Unmet Medical Needs in Chronic, Non-communicable Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Front Med. 2022;9:875492.
Atopic Dermatitis: more than just dry skin
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is the most common chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically begins in childhood and affects up to 30% of children and 2–10% of adults worldwide.1
It is characterized by intense itching, redness, dryness, and recurrent flare-ups. The underlying cause involves immune dysfunction and a defective skin barrier.2 Effective management includes emollient use and topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prolong remission. AD significantly affects the quality of life, impacting work, productivity, social life and mental health.3
1Justiz Villant AA, Modi P, Jan A. Atopy. [Updated 2022 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
2Ujiie H, Rosmarin D, Schön MP, Ständer S, Boch K, Metz M, et al. Unmet Medical Needs in Chronic, Non-communicable Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Front Med. 2022;9:875492.
3Napolitano M, Megna M, Patruno C, GisondiP, Ayala F, BalatoN. Adultatopicdermatitis: a review. G ItalDermatolVenereol. 2016;151(4):403–11.
Psoriasis: A chronic battle beneath the surface
Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic immune‐mediated skin disease affecting about 2–3% of the population. It is caused by an accelerated turnover of skin cells (keratinocytes) and immune system activation, leading to red, scaly and pruritic plaques commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.1
Although its exact origin is unclear, genetic and environmental factors play key roles.
Psoriasis is not a cosmetic problem. It can be physically painful and socially isolating, with strong links to comorbidities like arthritis and cardiovascular disease.2,3
1Korman NJ. Management of psoriasis as a systemic disease: what is the evidence?. Br J Dermatol. 2020;182(4):840-848.
2Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 4/e 2011 2.Armstrong AW. Psoriasis. JAMA dermatology. 2017;153(9):956-956.
3Stern RS, et al J Investing Dermatol Symp Proc. 2004;9(2):136-139.
Acne: A common but complex skin condition
Acne is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin disorders, especially among adolescents and young adults. It occurs due to clogged hair follicles, excess sebum production, buildup of dead skin cells, and bacterial overgrowth (Cutibacterium acnes). Acne appears as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts, primarily on the face, chest, and back. Hormonal changes, stress, and cosmetic products can exacerbate the condition. Although not life-threatening, acne can significantly affect mental health and self-esteem.1
1Dawson, Annelise L., and Robert P. Dellavalle. “Acne vulgaris.” Bmj 346 (2013).
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