Management of acute cellulitis with the Eclypse Boot

Linda Rafter is Honorary Professor, Nursing Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Monfort University of Leicester and Wound Care Solutions, Tissue Viability Nurse Consultant, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire

This article outlines the causes and management of cellulitis, comparing traditional treatment regimens with the use of the Eclypse Boot (Advancis Medical).With rising healthcare costs, effective management of cellulitis is vital. The case report included identifies how the Eclypse Boot was both cost-effective and comfortable, and improved patient quality of life by controlling exudate, thereby preventing offensive odour and decreasing the risk of further infection. The number of dressing changes were also reduced with this treatment regimen, thus lessening nursing time and pain associated with twice-daily dressings changes.

In the NHS, £373 billion is spent annually on wound dressings meaning that an understanding of the cause of wounds and their management is crucial, both in providing quality of life for patients and driving down costs (National Health Executive, 2006).

Cellulitis is one of the conditions that can adversely affect the progress of a wound. Clinicians need to be aware of the progressive onset of cellulitis and how, from a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, it can rapidly spread to other areas. Initially the inflammation is localised but can increase in size as the infection spreads.

Clinicians require a good understanding of the physiology of wound healing and how to treat cellulitis effectively, especially as there may be secondary cellulitis present around a wound, for example in diabetic foot ulceration (Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team [CREST], 2005).

Cellulitis occurs following bacterial infection of the dermis and associated subcutaneous tissues. It presents as swollen, red areas that feel hot and tender and can spread rapidly. If left untreated, cellulitis can lead to systemic sepsis or necrotising fasciitis and be life-threatening (Price, 2009; CREST, 2005). Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals can recognise the signs and symptom of cellulitis and initiate prompt medical treatment (Eagle, 2007). Clinicians need to understand how modern wound care products can be utilised to treat cellulitis in the most cost-effective manner to promote wound healing. This article reports the causes of cellulitis and how it can be managed using the Eclypse Boot (Advancis Medical).

To read the full case report, click here to visit Wounds UK.

Table of contents:

Cellulitis

Definition

Management of cellulitis

Dry cellulitis

Wet cellulitis

Eclypse Boot

The Eclypse boot dressing is an innovative super-absorbent dressing ergonomically designed to fit around the lower limb area. It uses super-absorbent technology to allow for maximum fluid and exudate handling. The dressing contains a rapid wicking layer and 12 individual super-absorbent compartments, which lock away fluid into the dressing, reducing maceration and preventing infection from fluid leaking back onto the skin. This helps to further reduce unpleasant odour.

The backing layer is a water-resistant barrier which also prevents strikethrough. This, combined with a high moisture vapour transfer rate (MVTR), allows breathability and prolongs wear time. The pre-shaped boot allows easy application, which helps to reduce nursing time at dressing changes. The boot is secured with toe-to-knee bandaging, allowing the product to fit most shapes and sizes of leg (Godar and Guy, 2010; Hodgson, 2010).

Case report of a patient with wet cellulitis

Patient review

Conclusion

References

To read the full case report, click here to visit Wounds UK.