Diagnostics and treatment of local wound infections

Abstract

Local wound infections are a multidisciplinary challenge which should be diagnosed as early as possible and adequately treated. In addition to a stagnation of wound healing, it is in particular the threat of development into systemic infections and even sepsis that represent feared, potentially life-threatening complications. This topic has a particularly high and multidisciplinary significance in the treatment of patients with chronic wounds. Until now, there were no generally accepted criteria for the diagnostics. The newly developed and validated TILI score, as a supplement to vital signs and serological values, enables rapid objectification of local wound infections. In addition, the W.A.R. score can be used to identify patients with an increased risk of infections. With these easy to use tools, the indications for antiseptic wound treatment can be assessed individually, quickly and without problems. For many patients with chronic wounds, polihexanide is then the wound antiseptic of first choice. However, the indications for wound antiseptics should be critically reviewed after a treatment duration of 14 days at the latest.