“I’ve been a disciple of occlusive wound healing ever since”.
Ira Davis, MD
Department of
Dermatology
Westchester County Medical Center
Valhalla, New York
Wound care has changed rapidly since I began my Dermatology training at Duke University. At the time, occlusive dressings were just the beginning to play a significant role in the clinical management of chronic wounds. As a medical student, I utilize wet to dry dressings to treat chronic wounds.
As a Dermatology resident in the light 1980s, I was exposed to advancements and wound healing at Dr. Claude Barton’s Leg Ulcer Clinic at Duke University. In those days, we didn’t have many dressing choices and we utilized occlusive dressings as well as modified Unna’s boots. These methods helped us heal chronic ulcers, and in some cases, enable patients to avoid amputation. It was gratifying to close previously non-healing wounds and help patients enjoy an improved quality of life. I’ve been a disciple of occlusive wound healing ever since.
I treat chronic, non-healing lesions by first determining the etiology of the problem. Then I implement corrective action by selecting a treatment from the broad range of options now available to clinicians. For example, depending on the tissue present in the wound, I will utilize various occlusive dressings. There are also promising Type 1 collagen-based dressings available which may offer a unique methodology to enhance wound healing.
Wound management has advanced significantly since my days as a student using wet-to-dry dressings. Now clinicians have a product armamentarium so diverse that they can select a treatment based on wound clinical characteristics and a dressing’s beneficial attributes.
