Wundhygiene – ein neues Konzept, um chronischen Wunden frühzeitig mit einer Anti-Biofilm-Interventionsstrategie zu begegnen

The most important requirement for the healing of chronic wounds are diagnostics and treatment of the underlying cause(s). However, this should always be supplemented by an adequate wound treatment. The concept of wound hygiene was developed to enable this wound treatment to be carried out in a structured manner with a focus on anti-biofilm intervention strategies. The therapeutic interventions described here include skin and wound cleansing, debridement, refashioning of the wound edge and dressing the wound. These four steps should be performed or considered at each dressing change to support wound healing.
Stagnation of healing of chronic wounds should be understood as a condition that can be successfully treated with the right tools. It must be assumed that most chronic wounds contain biofilm, even if it can’t be seen. The treatment concept of wound hygiene should be a fundamental part of the care of all people with chronic wounds.
This review article is substantially based on the internationally published concept of wound hygiene. However, this has not been translated exclusively, but used as a basis to supplement the various aspects with regional recommendations and guidelines.