Managing challenging chronic painful wounds in an outpatient clinic setting using an antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam dressing containing methylene blue and gentian violet

Aim:

Pain is a frequent symptom in patients with chronic wounds. It contributes to significant levels of suffering and distress, as well as reduced quality of life^1,4. Wounds are a serious health care issue with profound personal, clinical and economic implications. They can undermine function and mobility. Chronic wounds in particular present unique healing challenges to those whose health is already compromised. The treatments, medications, interventions and dressings associated with wounds also represent a significant financial burden to the health care system.¹ Wound healing may be delayed or stalled in chronic wounds when local infection is present and topical antibacterial/antimicrobial dressings may be used for the management of increased wound bioburden.^2,3 An antibacterial foam dressing consisting of PVA foam bound with gentian violet and methylene blue showed encouraging results in a clinically challenging study population³. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the reduction in pain, as well as the change in wound size of seven healable chronic wounds presenting with signs of local infection, using an antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam dressing containing methylene blue and gentian violet (MBGV).

Methods:

All wounds (surgical, abscess, venous/arterial/neuropathic, peristomal PG) were managed with the antibacterial foam dressing. Wound measurements (length, width and depth), as well as pain assessment (Numeric Rating Scale) were taken every two weeks.

Conclusions:

In these seven cases, wound reduction or closure occurred, as well as a decrease in pain, using MBGV dressings as a part of the overall wound management plan.