DG, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Grampian University Hospitals Trust.
Presentation A 64-year old woman was admitted 24 hours after a fall with a painful and swollen lower left leg. Large areas of superficial blistering were found interspersed with by areas of sloughy and necrotic tissue.
A diagnosis of cellulitis was made. It became apparent that the patient had treated the injury with an anti-inflammatory gel, and had experienced an allergic reaction resulting in a chemical burn
Treatment The lower leg was cleaned with warm water, and where possible necrotic tissue was removed. AquaClear was applied to the affected area and secured with a retention dressing.
Assessment After 24 hours analgesia was no longer required. After 48 hours there was a significant reduction in the superficial areas of damage, and the sloughy areas had also been reduced. After 96 hours the superficial areas were covered with new epithelial tissue and the sloughy areas had been replaced with granulating tissue.
Conclusion The choice of AquaClear reduced the patient’s pain, and allowed for wound inspection without dressing removal.
