Case Study

Case Study: Successful Management of a Buruli Ulcer

Maher Najem

• 2 min read

Patient History

A patient presented to Pharmacy 777 Albion Park with what was suspected to be a Buruli ulcer. Initially, the patient believed the lesion may have started as a mosquito bite. Upon examination, our Pharmacists noted:

  • Active exudate still present
  • Surrounding skin detachment
  • Wound approximately 20mm in diameter and 5mm deep
Initial presentation: Existing ulcer of unknown age.

Assessment & Diagnosis

Based on the clinical presentation and history, our Pharmacists identified this as a possible Buruli ulcer (also known as Bairnsdale ulcer). These ulcers typically begin as a painless nodule or papule that can be mistaken for an insect bite, but progressively develop into a destructive skin lesion.

Treatment Plan

A comprehensive treatment plan was implemented, including:

  1. Thorough Debridement: Following current wound care standards, devitalised periwound tissue was carefully removed to promote healing.
  2. Advanced Dressing Application: BlastX and silver (Ag) foam dressing were applied as antimicrobial treatments to the wound.
  3. Regular Monitoring: Scheduled follow-up appointments to assess healing progress and adjust treatment as needed.Post
Post initial debridement, a key step in the management of many chronic wounds.

Outcomes

The treatment plan proved highly effective, with remarkable results:

  • 7-Day Review: Complete healing of the ulcer was observed.
  • No further intervention required.
  • Patient reported high satisfaction with the rapid resolution.
7 Days after initiating treatment

Discussion

Buruli ulcers can be challenging to manage and often require prolonged treatment periods. However, this case demonstrates that with proper assessment, appropriate debridement techniques, and advanced antimicrobial dressings, even significant ulcers can be effectively managed in a community pharmacy setting.

The key factors contributing to the successful outcome included:

  • Early intervention
  • Appropriate wound bed preparation through debridement
  • Selection of effective antimicrobial dressings
  • Regular monitoring of healing progress

Conclusion

This case highlights the important role that community Pharmacists with advanced wound care training can play in managing complex wounds such as Buruli ulcers. At Pharmacy 777 Albion Park, our Pharmacists are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to provide expert wound care management that delivers positive patient outcomes.

For more information about our wound care services or to book a consultation with one of our Pharmacists, please contact Pharmacy 777 Albion Park.

Note: This case study has been shared with patient consent for educational purposes. Individual results may vary depending on wound type, patient health status, and other factors.