ISTAP Best Practice Recommendations for Prevention and Management of Periwound Skin Complications
The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) has published comprehensive guidelines to enhance the prevention and management of periwound skin complications. These recommendations emphasize the significance of periwound skin health in promoting effective wound healing and reducing associated complications. Read the full document.
Key Highlights:
- Definition of Periwound: The periwound is identified as the area surrounding a wound that may be affected by wound-related factors and/or underlying pathology.
- Risks of Periwound Damage: Complications such as maceration, skin stripping, and medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) can delay healing, increase infection risk, and elevate treatment costs.
- Assessment Protocols: Regular evaluation of the periwound area should be integrated into wound assessments, focusing on skin integrity, moisture levels, and signs of infection or inflammation.
- Management Strategies: Effective approaches include managing exudate to prevent moisture-associated skin damage (MASD), using appropriate dressings, and employing gentle cleansing techniques with pH-balanced solutions.
- Infection Control: Implementing antimicrobial stewardship principles is crucial to prevent and manage infections without contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
- Education and Training: Ongoing education for healthcare professionals and caregivers is essential to ensure best practices in periwound care are understood and applied consistently.
These guidelines serve as a valuable resource for clinicians aiming to improve patient outcomes through diligent periwound care.
Read the full document on the Wounds International website.
Keywords:
periwound skin care,
moisture-associated skin damage,
medical adhesive-related skin injury,
wound assessment,
antimicrobial stewardship