Peristomal skin lesions - identifying patients at risk.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis and therapy of peristomal skin lesions are challenging for the majority of therapists. Established diagnostic tools have not yet been validated. Our objective was to outline the spectrum of and to identify risk factors for skin lesions in ostomy patients. A focus was set on peristomal ulcerations and their differentiation as peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, frequency and character of peristomal skin lesions in patients presenting at two departments were analysed. Patients suffering from peristomal ulcerations were subjected to a more detailed analysis including application of the PARACELSUS score. RESULTS: A total of 565 patients with ostomy were analysed; 40.2% (n = 227) presented with peristomal skin lesions. Moisture-associated skin damage (27.9%) was the most common, while ulcerations (21.9%) and eczematous skin alterations (19.1%) were seen with comparable frequency. Peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum was diagnosed in 7.9% of all observed peristomal lesions. Among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (n = 98), peristomal ulcerations were the leading finding (35.7%), and pyoderma gangrenosum was more frequent in these patients (16.3%). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to assess and classify peristomal skin lesions. Further studies for the validation of different scores or the development of diagnostic tools are needed.

Clinical characteristics and treatment modalities in uremic and non uremic calciphylaxis - a dermatological single-center experience.

Calciphylaxis (CP) is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease that presents with medial calcification of small-sized vessels and painful ischemic ulcerations. Although calciphylaxis is frequently seen in patients with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy, CUA), there are reported cases of nonuremic calciphylaxis (NUC), which often remain undiagnosed. We conducted a retrospective chart review at our dermatological hospital and evaluated data concerning the epidemiology, comorbidities, medication, laboratory abnormalities, and therapeutic approaches of 60 patients diagnosed with calciphylaxis between 01/2012 and 12/2022. We identified 21 patients diagnosed with NUC and 39 with kidney disease. The predilection sites of skin lesions were the lower legs in 88% (n = 53), followed by the thigh and gluteal regions in 7% (n = 4). Significant differences were identified in comorbidities, such as atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001) and hyperparathyroidism (p < 0.01) accounting for CUA patients. Medication with vitamin K antagonists (p < 0.001), phosphate binders (p < 0.001), and loop diuretics (p < 0.01) was found to be associated with the onset of calciphylaxis. Hyperphosphatemia (p < 0.001), increased parathyroid hormone (p < 0.01) and triglyceride levels (p < 0.01), hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.01) and decreased hemoglobin values (p < 0.001) in the CUA cohort were significantly different from those in the NUC group. All patients with CUA received systemic medication. In contrast, only 38% (n = 8) of patients with NUC received systemic treatment. Striking discrepancies in the treatment of both cohorts were detected. In particular, NUC remains a disease pattern that is still poorly understood and differs from CUA in several important parameters.

Occlusive cutaneous vasculopathies as cause of chronic ulcers.

The term occluding vasculopathies covers a large number of different conditions. These often manifest as skin ulcers. Occluding vasculopathies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of leg ulcers. The term "occlusive vasculopathies" encompasses pathophysiologically related entities that share structural or thrombotic obliteration of small cutaneous vessels. In this article, we will focus on livedoid vasculopathy with and without antiphospholipid syndrome and calciphylaxis with differentiation from hypertonic leg ulcer as the most relevant differential diagnoses of leg ulcer. The term also includes vascular occlusion, for example due to oxalate or cholesterol embolism, and septic vasculopathy. This often leads to acral ulceration and is therefore not a differential diagnosis with classic leg ulcers. It will not be discussed in this article. Occlusive vasculopathy may be suspected in the presence of the typical livedo racemosa or (non-inflammatory) retiform purpura as a sign of reduced cutaneous perfusion in the wound area. Inflammatory dermatoses, especially vasculitides, must be differentiated. This is achieved by histopathological evaluation of a tissue sample of sufficient size and depth taken at the appropriate time. In addition, specific laboratory parameters, particularly coagulation parameters, can support the diagnosis.

Diagnosis and treatment of venous leg ulcers: S2k Guideline of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL) e.V.

This S2k guideline on venous leg ulcers was created on the initiative and under the leadership of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL). The guideline group also consisted of representatives from the German Society for Phlebology and Lymphology, German Dermatological Society, German Society for General Medicine, German Society for Angiology, German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine, German Society for Surgery, German Society for Dermatosurgery, German Society for Wound Healing and Wound Treatment, Professional Association of Phlebologists and Lymphologists and Initiative Chronische Wunden. The aim of this guideline is to combine the different approaches and levels of knowledge of the respective professional groups on the basis of consensus, so that a basic concept for the best possible treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers can be provided. A total of 70 specific recommendations were formulated and agreed upon, divided into the subject areas of diagnostics, therapy, prevention of recurrences, and everyday challenges. The guideline thus reflects the current state of scientific knowledge and is intended to be widely used as the best available document for the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers in everyday clinical practice.

Mobility range, level of pain and sleep quality of patients with venous leg ulcers.

This study aimed to compare mobility range, level of pain and sleep quality in patients with venous leg ulcers to age- and gender-matched controls without ulcers. Twenty patients with venous leg ulceration and 20 matched controls each answered a questionnaire, completed the short-physical performance battery, filled in a subject diary and wore a smartwatch for 1 week. The median daily step counts of the ulcer group (3622 steps/day) and the control group (5133 steps/day) were significantly different (P = .017). Significant correlations between total step count and age, duration of physical outdoor activities and scores in the short-physical performance battery were observed in the ulcer group. The scores in the short-physical performance battery were significantly different in both groups (P = .005), indicating weaker physical performance in the ulcer group. The greatest difference in the self-reported level of pain between the two groups was stated during movement. On average, the ulcer group slept shorter by 1 h 38 min (P = .002) and had 0.7 wake phases per night (P = .019) more than the control group. Assessing mobility in patients with venous leg ulcers can be used to develop preventive and interventional concepts to improve and individualise physical therapies.

Predilection sites of pyoderma gangrenosum: Retrospective study of 170 clearly diagnosed patients.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a non-infectious, neutrophilic dermatosis that was difficult to diagnose in clinical practice. Today, the PARACELSUS score is a validated tool for diagnostics. Based on this score, patients with clearly diagnosed PG were examined with regard to predilection sites. In this retrospective study, the data of patients from the University Hospitals of Essen and Erlangen were analysed in whom the diagnosis of PG could be clearly confirmed using the PARACELSUS score. A total of 170 patients, 49 men (29%) and 121 women (71%) with an average age at first manifestation of 55.5 years, could be included in the analysis. The predilection sites were identified as the lower legs in 80.6% of the patients and the extensor sides in 75.2%. Other localisations of PG were the thighs in 14.1%, mammae and abdomen in 10.0% each, back and gluteal in 7.1% each, feet in 5.9%, arms in 4.7%, genital in 3.5% and head in 2.9%. This retrospective study is the first to identify a collective of PG patients with the highest data quality using the PARACELSUS score. It could be shown that PG can basically occur on the entire integument. However, the predilection sites of PG, which have now been reliably identified for the first time, are the lower legs and in particular the extensor sides.

Comorbidity and Therapeutic Approaches in Patients with Necrobiosis Lipoidica.

BACKGROUND: Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology. Randomized controlled studies are not available due to it being an orphan disease. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated patients in 2 dermatological centres to cluster data about epidemiology, the therapeutic approaches for NL, and their efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comorbidity and the efficacy of the applied treatment was assessed for 98 patients. RESULTS: We identified 54% of patients with concomitant diabetes and 19% with thyroidal disorders. Topical steroids (85.7%) were predominantly used followed by calcineurin inhibitors (31%) and phototherapy (41.8%). Systemically, fumaric acid esters were more frequently applied (26.8%) than steroids (24.4%) and dapsone (24.4%). Steroids, compression therapy, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, fumaric acid esters, and dapsone showed remarkable efficacy. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic options were chosen individually in accordance with the severity of NL and presence of ulceration. Topical calcineurin inhibitors, systemic application of fumaric acid esters, and dapsone represent effective alternatives to the use of steroids.

Clinical Experience Using a Monofilament Fiber Cleansing and Debriding Technology for Various Skin Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Gentle skin cleansing and exfoliation and the use of moisturizers as an adjunct to medical treatment should be part of the prevention, treatment, and maintenance of cutaneous conditions such as acne vulgaris (acne) psoriasis, and xerosis. A monofilament fiber debriding technology (MFDT) is used for effective, safe, and rapid skin cleansing and exfoliation and debris, slough, and biofilm removal. The current review addresses the clinical experience using MFDT for various cutaneous conditions that require cleansing or exfoliation or both and how to combine it with medical treatment. METHODS: A literature review explored clinical insights into the role of skin cleansing and exfoliation for patients with various dermatological conditions. The searches yielded 29 publications, 7 guidelines/algorithms, 13 reviews, 8 clinical studies, and one in vitro study. RESULTS: Mechanical cleansing using a device can be helpful; however, avoid injury of the skin as it may result in thickening of the epidermis leading to hyperkeratosis and disruption of the skin barrier. Clinical experience with MFDT for acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and xerosis is discussed. Additionally, MFDT was used to exfoliate hyperkeratosis, actinic keratosis, and traumatic skin tattoos. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical cleansing using MFDT was shown to be safe and beneficial for skin cleansing and exfoliation of various cutaneous conditions; however, only anecdotal evidence or small studies are available to support its use for these conditions. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(11):1173-1180. doi:10.36849/JDD.6261.

[Position paper of the Initiative Chronische Wunde (ICW) e. V. on the nomenclature of debridement in chronic wounds]. / Positionspapier der Initiative Chronische Wunde (ICW) e. V. zur Nomenklatur des Débridements chronischer Wunden.

The nomenclature used today in wound treatment varies widely across different disciplines and professions. Therefore, it is a mission of the professional association Initiative Chronische Wunde (ICW) e. V. to exactly and comprehensibly describe terms that were previously unclear. Therefore, the experts of the ICW defined in a consensus procedure debridement of chronic wounds as the removal of adherent, dead tissue, scabs or foreign bodies from wounds. There are various therapy options for this, which can be differentiated into autolytic, biosurgical, mechanical, osmotic, proteolytic/enzymatic and technical debridement. In the case of surgical debridement, a distinction is also made between sharp debridements that can usually be performed on an outpatient basis, such as minor surgical procedures, and surgical debridements with adequate anaesthesia in an operating theatre. Wound irrigation is defined by the ICW as the removal of non-adherent components on wounds with sterile solutions. Debridement and/or wound irrigation are often the first step in phase-appropriate modern wound treatment. Several methods are suitable for use in a combined or successive therapy. When deciding which therapeutic option to use, a number of individually different factors should be taken into account, depending on the patients to be treated but also on the therapists. The final individual decision for a method should be made together with the patient in each case and then adequately documented.

Epidermotropie von Immunzellen unterscheidet Pyoderma gangraenosum vom Ulcus cruris venosum.

HINTERGRUND UND ZIELE: Pyoderma gangraenosum ist eine ulzerierende, autoinflammatorische Erkrankung. Es gibt keine eindeutigen histopathologischen Merkmale zur Differenzierung von anderen Ursachen chronischer Wunden wie dem Ulcus cruris venosum. Ziel dieser Studie war es, histopathologische Merkmale von Pyoderma gangraenosum und Unterschiede zu venösen Ulzerationen zu detektieren. PATIENTEN UND METHODIK: Acht Gewebeproben von Pyoderma gangraenosum, zwölf Proben von Ulcus cruris venosum und sechs Proben von gesunder Haut wurden einer immunhistologischen Multi-Antigen-Analyse unterzogen. Das Immuninfiltrat und seine räumliche Verteilung wurden anhand von Fluoreszenzbildern mit einer Gewebezytometriesoftware analysiert. ERGEBNISSE: Die dichte epidermale Präsenz von CD45RO+ -T-Gedächtnis-Zellen und die Rarefizierung von CD1a+ -Langerhans-Zellen in der Epidermis waren Marker für Pyoderma gangraenosum, welche auch auf eine epidermale Immunreaktion schließen lassen. Darüber hinaus konnte dermal eine hohe Anzahl CD11c+ CD68+ pro-inflammatorischer M1-Makrophagen nachgewiesen werden. Diese überstieg die Anzahl der in venösen Ulzerationen beobachteten Makrophagen deutlich. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die histopathologischen Unterschiede zwischen Pyoderma gangraenosum und Ulcus cruris venosum können zur Unterscheidung der beiden Erkrankungen herangezogen werden und somit eine wichtige Hilfe zur schnellen Einleitung einer adäquaten Therapie sein. Darüber hinaus deuten unsere Daten auf einen antigengesteuerten Prozess in der Epidermis hin, möglicherweise unter Beteiligung von CD1a+ Langerhans-Zellen.

Epidermotropism of inflammatory cells differentiates pyoderma gangrenosum from venous leg ulcers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pyoderma gangrenosum is an ulcerative autoinflammatory disease, lacking distinct histopathological characteristics to differentiate from other ulcerating conditions, like venous leg ulcers. The objective of this study was therefore to find histopathological characteristics of pyoderma gangrenosum in a head-to-head comparison to venous leg ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight tissue samples of pyoderma gangrenosum, twelve samples of venous leg ulcers and six samples of healthy skin were stained using an immunohistological multi antigen staining technology. The immune infiltrate and its spatial distribution were analyzed with contextual tissue cytometry software using fluorescence images. RESULTS: The dense epidermal presence of CD45RO+ memory T cells and the rarefication of CD1a+ Langerhans cells in the epidermis were defining markers for pyoderma gangrenosum, implicating an epidermal immune reaction. In addition, high numbers of CD11c+ CD68+ pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages were detected in the dermis, significantly extending the numbers seen in venous leg ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: The histopathological differences found between pyoderma gangrenosum and venous leg ulcer can be used to distinguish between the two diseases and thus provide an important aid for the rapid initiation of adequate therapy. In addition, our data hint at an antigen-driven process in the epidermis, possibly involving CD1a+ Langerhans cells.

Multicomponent compression system use in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: a real-life prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Compression therapy is the cornerstone of therapeutic management of patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a multicomponent compression system in an unselected population of patients with CVI problems under real-life conditions. METHOD: A prospective, multicentre, observational study with a multicomponent two-bandage compression system (UrgoK2, Laboratoires Urgo, France) was conducted in 103 centres in Germany. Main outcomes included wound healing rate, wound healing progression, assessment of oedema and ankle mobility, local tolerability and acceptance of the compression therapy. RESULTS: A total of 702 patients with venous leg ulcers (VLU) and/or with lower limb oedema due to CVI were treated with the evaluated system for a mean (±standard deviation) duration of 27±17 days. By the last visit, 30.9% of wounds had healed and 61.8% had improved. Limb oedema was resolved in 66.7% of patients and an improvement of ankle mobility was reported in 44.2% of patients. The skin condition under the compression therapy was also considered as improved in 73.9% of patients and a substantial reduction of pain was achieved, both in number of patients reporting pain and in pain intensity. Compression therapy with the evaluated system was 'very well' or 'well' tolerated and 'very well' or 'well' accepted by >95% of patients. These positive outcomes were in line with the general opinion of physicians on the evaluated compression bandages, which were judged 'very useful' or 'useful' for >96.6% of patients. Similar results were reported regardless of the treated condition, VLU and/or limb oedema. CONCLUSION: Real-life data documented in this large observational study of non-selected patients receiving compression therapy in daily practice confirm the benefits and safety profile of the evaluated compression system. This study also confirms the high-level of performance and acceptability of the system, regardless of the characteristics of the wounds or patients at initiation of the treatment. The data support the use of this multicomponent compression system as one first-line intervention in patients with symptoms caused by CVI.

[Standard of patient-centred care before admission to a university wound centre]. / Versorgungszustand von Patienten vor Zuweisung an ein universitäres Wundzentrum.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Health care for patients with chronic wounds is often protracted. This can result in decreased quality of care or delayed diagnosis of the actual cause of disease. Concurrently, there are already certified facilities for these patients. The present work investigates possible reasons for delayed referral and whether a specific selection of patients is sent to these university-based centres. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective patient data chart review at the point of first admission to the certified wound centre was performed to identify concerning variables about the standard of care before university presentation. RESULTS: Records of 177 patients were analysed (53% women, 47% men; patient age range 27-95 years). The mean duration of the wound was 22 months. Vascular diagnostics had already been performed in 32% (arterial diagnostics) and 36% (phlebological diagnostics), respectively. A tissue sample had been analysed in 9% of cases, especially when wound duration exceeded > 24 months. In only 45% of cases was the external diagnosis in accord with the final diagnosis in the wound centre. DISCUSSION: The health care situation for patients with chronic wounds outside of specialised care structures is insufficient. Early and standardized diagnostics and therapy and a reasonable admission to specialised centres is desired.

Impaired Wound Healing with Imatinib Mesylate Therapy.

ABSTRACT: Medication-induced ulcers are generally rare. Although the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate is frequently prescribed, the occurrence of ulcers related to the medication has not been previously described. Herein, the authors report a case of a patient with impaired wound healing that was attributed to imatinib mesylate treatment. Providers should maintain suspicion for medication-induced ulcers, particularly if treatment for the presumed underlying cause of an ulcer fails.

Development and evaluation of a digital education tool for medical students in wound care.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an interactive, video-enhanced, and case-based online course for medical students. We chose a case about wound care since this topic is still underrepresented in the medical curriculum. First, instructional videos were created to teach practical skills in wound care. These were implemented into a case-based online course, using the online learning platform ILIAS. In a comparative initial and final survey, numbers of users were assessed, content and structure of the course, as well as the thematic interest of the students and self-assessed gain of competence, were evaluated. Since the summer of 2019, 310 students have successfully completed the course. The survey data showed a high participation rate and a positive response regarding the content as well as the structural concept. Most of the students rated the content within the course as useful for their future medical work (86.1%) and the gain of knowledge superior to a traditional lecture (69.4%). Self-assessments of video-mediated skills showed a significant increase in subjectively perceived competence. The online course is an efficient way to reach many students by the small use of resources. It resembles an option to arouse growing interest in wound care in medical students.

[Quality of life in patients with chronic wounds]. / Lebensqualität bei Patienten mit chronischen Wunden.

The quality of life of patients with chronic wounds is significantly reduced. Through pain, wound odor, and exudate, they experience limitations in various areas of their daily life. Pain can lead to reduced mobility, sleep disorders, or reduced food intake. Physical limitations caused by the wound itself, dependence on caregivers, and the financial burden are further influencing factors. At the same time, chronic wounds lead to changes in social life, withdrawal from friends and family, and a feeling of powerlessness over a patient's own life. Pre-existing anxiety or a depressive disorder can further negatively influence the quality of life. There are various general and diagnosis-specific assessment tools for measuring the quality of life of patients with chronic wounds. Such a survey should be carried out regularly in the course of wound therapy. Especially at the beginning of treatment, it is important to identify limiting factors and to evaluate them regularly during wound therapy and to work out possible solutions together with the patient.

[Occupationally acquired MRSA colonization and occupational dermatological assessments (BK-No. 3101 in the German list of Occupational Diseases) : Analysis of the DGUV documentation and expert opinion on a case with work-related MRSA-triggered atopic dermatitis]. / Beruflich erworbene MRSA-Besiedelung in der berufsdermatologischen Begutachtung (BK-Nr. 3101) : Auswertung der DGUV BK-Dokumentation und Gutachtenfall mit arbeitsbedingter MRSA-getriggerter atopischer Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Person-to-person transmitted infectious diseases can cause occupational diseases (OD). These are subsumed as BK-No. 3101 in the German list of OD which applies for individuals with a considerably higher risk for infection as a consequence of their professional activity compared to the general population. OBJECTIVES: The special medical and insurance law aspects of a work-related MRSA colonization are presented using the example of an expert opinion case and an evaluation of the BK reports of suspected occupational disease (BK No. 3101) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The BK documentation of the DGUV from 2007-2012 and the patient cohort from the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, presenting for expert assessment from 2007-2012 were retrospectively analysed for human-to-human transmitted infectious diseases of the skin (BK-No. 3101). RESULTS: Person-to-person transmission of infectious diseases of the skin is rare in the field of occupational dermatology. In the DGUV cohort, suspected BK-No. 3101cases amounted to 2.6% of all notified cases; recognized BK-No. 3101 cases accounted for 4.2% of all recognized cases, amongst which 9 were caused by MRSA. In contrast to a symptomatic infection, an asymptomatic MRSA colonization is not being recognized as BK-No. 3101. Bacterial superantigens can trigger atopic dermatitis (AD). In particular cases, occupationally acquired MRSA can elicit AD and may justify classification as an OD (BK-No. 3101). CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of MRSA colonization and eradication are necessary for rehabilitation. Management of skin diseases due to infectious diseases within the framework of OD is presented.

Development and evaluation of an interprofessional teaching concept for modern wound management.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to establish and evaluate a new interprofessional teaching concept on the topic of wound management. METHODS: After determining the status quo using a survey among medical students, we developed a new teaching concept that included a 150-minute course aimed at providing students with the opportunity to gain hands-on wound management skills. This interprofessional course was offered at the existing 'SkillsLab' teaching facility. The participants' subjective level of knowledge was assessed by questionnaire before and after the course. RESULTS: Our survey among 190 medical students showed them to be very interested in gaining practical experience in the field of wound management. To date, 120 participants (54.8 % medical students; 45.2 % nursing students) have attended this new interprofessional course, which has been equally well received by both medical and nursing students. For all specific topics (diagnosis, treatment, use of wound dressings, debridement), course participation was associated with a significant increase in knowledge. CONCLUSION: Given its relevance in clinical practice, it is important for medical students to learn about the various aspects associated with the care of patients with chronic wounds. By offering new teaching concepts, dermatology in particular is well suited to help students gain a better understanding of the challenges related to wound management and to improve their practical skills. Wound management is an ideal topic for interprofessional learning.

[Management of malignant wounds]. / Management maligner Wunden.

Malignant wounds arise either primary or secondary in the context of a malignant transformation of already existing wounds. A plethora of skin tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma as well as cutaneous metastases of other malignancies can ulcerate and be the cause of malignant wounds. Ulcerating tumors or metastases of the skin can however mimic chronic wounds from other causes and remain unrecognized over a longer period. In patients with chronic ulcerations, the correct and timely diagnosis is paramount. Based on this, the stage and disease-oriented treatment should be chosen in harmony with the wishes of the patient. In addition, general measures, such as atraumatic dressing changes to reduce pain and bleeding and the use of antiseptic dressing materials to prevent bacterial colonization and associated odors should be considered.

Systemic therapies for leg ulcers.

Successful management of patients with leg ulcers requires identification of the underlying etiology, with subsequent initiation of causal treatment, if feasible. Supplementary measures of first choice include stage-adjusted wound treatment, usually combined with compression therapy. The significance of systemic drugs has been the subject of controversial debate, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. The present review article is therefore meant to highlight current aspects of systemic drug therapies for the treatment of leg ulcers associated with chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral arterial disease, livedoid vasculopathy, vasculitis, necrobiosis lipoidica, calciphylaxis and pyoderma gangrenosum. In summary, the majority of therapeutic options presented herein are used off-label. While systemic drugs are promising options for the more common types of wounds such as venous, mixed or arterial leg ulcers, they do not represent the current standard of treatment. By contrast, systemic agents play a key role in the management of many of the other disorders presented herein. These agents primarily include immunomodulatory and rheological drugs used to expedite wound healing.