Case Study: Successful Management of an Infected Type 3 Skin Tear in a Patient with Complex Comorbidities
Patient Background
Our wound care program at Pharmacy 777 Albion Park recently managed a complex case involving a patient with advanced COPD and congestive heart failure who presented with a locally infected type 3 skin tear. The patient had additional skin tears behind one knee and on the opposite knee, creating a challenging clinical picture that required specialised care.
Initial Presentation
The patient first visited our pharmacy two days after sustaining the injury. The wound exhibited clear signs of local infection with significant redness, swelling, and exudate. For patients with complex comorbidities like COPD and heart failure, even relatively minor skin tears can pose serious risks, as these conditions can impair healing and increase infection susceptibility
Treatment Approach
Our pharmacists implemented a comprehensive treatment plan:
- Regular cleansing to remove debris and reduce bacterial load
- Careful debridement of non-viable tissue to promote healing
- Application of topical silver (Ag) foam dressing for its antimicrobial properties
- Weekly monitoring to assess healing progress and adjust treatment as needed
Clinical Progress
5 Days Post-Injury
After just three days of treatment, we observed significant improvement. The biofilm had notably reduced, and the wound bed was showing early signs of healing. The antimicrobial properties of the silver foam dressing appeared to be effectively controlling the local infection.
47 Days Post-Injury
With consistent weekly reviews and treatment, all three skin tears healed completely without complications. Notably, this successful outcome was achieved without requiring topical or systemic antibiotics—an important consideration for antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in patients with complex health needs.
Key Insights
This case demonstrates several important aspects of effective wound care:
- Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for infected wounds.
- Specialised wound care can be effectively delivered in a community pharmacy setting.
- Proper wound management can eliminate the need for antibiotic therapy in some cases.
- Consistent monitoring and treatment adjustments are essential for optimal healing.
About Our Wound Care Program
At Pharmacy 777 Albion Park, our wound care program offers specialised assessment and treatment for various wound types. Our trained professionals work closely with patients and their healthcare providers to deliver evidence-based care that promotes healing while considering each patient's unique health circumstances.
For more information about our wound care services or to schedule a consultation, please contact our pharmacy team.
Note: This case study is presented with patient consent, with identifying details removed to protect privacy.