Epidermal traumas include, for example, but not limited to, maladies such as pressure sores, burns, cuts, abrasions, wounds, rashes, lesions, skin conditions, skin infections and decubitus ulcers. Generally, these epidermal traumas are treated with ointments or preparations, sometimes with little or no success.
Pressure sores and decubitus ulcers are particularly painful for the patients and difficult to treat. Pressure on a area of skin for an extended time period may cause pressure sores. Generally, pressure sores occur at weight bearing sites. Patients eventually develop necrosis at these pressure sores since the pressure at the weight bearing sites can exceed local perfusion pressure. As the skin sloughs, bacteria tends to colonize at these sites. Abetted by further pressure induced necrosis, the infection tends to get deeper and deeper, possibly resulting in decubitus ulcers. Other factors which contribute to pressure sores include skin over bony prominence, anemia, malnutrition and immobilization. Pressure sores are especially prevalent among individuals incapable of moving, such as patients who are bedridden due to various infirmities such as strokes, quadriplegia, paraplegia or those who are in a coma. These patients suffer greatly from the pain caused by these wounds.
Generally, patients with pressure sores or decubitus ulcers are treated with topical antiseptics or relief of pressure by frequent turning. Sometimes topical debriding enzymes such as sutilains available under the trademark "Travase", manufactured by the Boots Company, collagenase available under the trademark "Santyl", manufactured by Knoll Pharmaceuticals, and fibrinolysin with desoxyribonuclease available under the trademark "Elase", manufactured by Fujisawa[Parke Davis] are used in the treatment of pressure sores and decubital ulcers. Various drug therapies may be prescribed dependent upon the type of infections that occur. Additionally, specialized beds that distribute the pressure more evenly may be used. As a final measure, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove the pressure sore itself.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,670 to Shinault discloses a topical ointment for the treatment of epidermal trauma. The topical ointment includes a mixture of polymyxin, bacitracin, neomycin, iodine and sugar. This ointment is applied daily until healing of the wound occurs. Numerous other ointments also exist for these traumas.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,847 discloses a hydrocolloid wound gel composition useful for cleansing and debriding wounds. The composition includes sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, pectin, propylene glycol and water. In addition, if desired, the hydrocolloid wound gel composition can contain a small amount of an antibiotic such as metronidazole, or a skin protective agent such as zinc oxide. This hydrocolloid gel is applied directly to the wound itself. Usually, the wound cavity is partially filled with the gel and sealed with an occlusive dressing.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,924 discloses a wound dressing. The wound dressing contains a water insoluble, water swellable cross-linked cellulose derivative, water and a polyol component, wherein the dressing comprises a gel and the cellulose derivative which comprises less than 10% by weight of gel. The wound dressing may also include the antimicrobial agent metronidazole. The dressing is placed into the wound itself; the patent states a minimum depth of 5 mm should be achieved. The gel is then covered with additional absorbent material.
Nonetheless, despite these dressings, there exists a need for effective treatment and relief of epidermal traumas. In particular, there exists a great need for treatment and relief of pressure sores and decubitus ulcers, which is easy to use yet still effective on the wound.