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Case Study/Series
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Pain Relief and Healing Using Polymeric Membrane Dressings* Under Compression for Venous Hypertension Ulcers First Author: Mariama Hubbard Authors: Mariama Hubbard, MA, FNP, APRN-BC PROBLEM Venous hypertension ulcers greatly decrease productivity. They are often painful, especially during dressing changes, which may be as often as two-to-three times/day. Treatments that decrease overall pain as well as pain during dressing changes can greatly enhance the quality of life for sufferers of these ulcers. Less frequent dressing changes and, ultimately, wound closure, can result in significant savings of both financial and emotional resources. RATIONALE Polymeric membrane dressings are proven to provide significant wound pain relief, presumably by inhibiting nociceptor activity at the wound site. Integral components create ideal moist environment which concentrates the body's natural healing nutrients by absorbing the watery portion of wound fluid. Dressings contain both foam and super-absorbent starch, therefore recommended for heavily exudating wounds. METHODOLOGY After thorough cleansing with saline, plain or silver polymeric membrane dressing applied, then Unna's boot or compression stocking. Changed 2Ð4x/week. RESULTS All three patients quickly became pain-free, even during dressing changes. First: completely closed at 5weeks. Second: two of five ulcers closed, others small, superficial at 6½weeks. Third: 80% closure at 7weeks. Study on-going. CONCLUSION After only one week, polymeric membrane dressing use resulted in new granulation tissue forming in previously stalled venous hypertension wounds. Pain eliminated. |
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