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New methods to evaluate wound healing reviewed

Although nontraditional methods have been developed to measure wound healing, there is no gold standard method for evaluation, according to a review article published in Dermatologic Surgery.

The authors fromThailand reviewed research on nontraditional techniques to evaluate wound healing, with the techniques divided into five categories based on their measured outcome.

When compared with traditional techniques to measure wound area, such as ruler-based technique, software-based and advanced device-based techniques generally provide more precise results, they wrote.

Software-based computerized techniques have been developed to evaluate tissue color.

Measurement of skin barrier function through increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) can be determined through the more commonly used open-chamber devices or more recently developed closed-chamber devices.

Exudate production status of the wound can be demonstrated through measurement of skin humidity.

“In addition, keratinocyte morphology in the wound bed indicates quality of wound healing and side effects of treatment,” the researchers wrote.

“There is no gold standard method for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of wound healing. Each technique has its own limitations,” the researchers concluded. “Numerous studies have attempted to develop new techniques for the measurement of wound area, tissue color and composition, skin barrier function, skin humidity and keratinocyte morphology to solve the problems of traditional techniques or to assist evaluation by clinicians. However, more research is needed before these techniques can be used instead of, or alongside, traditional assessments.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.