Current wound management: a symposium

As is evident in each of the preceding chapters, this is an exciting time for the dermatologist interested in wound healing. New information is available from the cell biologist about which chemicals released during the inflammatory response to wounding are important in healing. New wound dressing materials from industry provide a means of i ncreasing the speed of wound healing while reducing wound pain and tenderness. Guidelines have been determined for predicting the cosmetic result of wounds after secondary intention healing. The near future promises many more advanced techniques for wound management, such as skin autografts and electromagnetic devices to stimulate and speed healing.Nevertheless, today physicians are charged with the very practical matter of treating patients' wounds. We must apply the results of research, using newer information and advanced materials, in a sound manner to enhance wound healing. To document the current state-of-the-art in wound care so that our readers are aware of current practices, I have asked five prominent dermatologic surgeons to describe their methods of treating wounds. These physician represent several different geographic areas of the United States and both clinical and full-time faculty. Each of the five was asked to write short answers to the same set of questions. Their essentially unedited answers are presented.The dermatologic surgeons participating in this symposium are STEVEN MANDY. M.D., University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami. Florida; SHELDON V. POLLACK, M.D., Duke University Medical Center, Durham. North Carolina; SAMUEL J. STEGMAN, M.D., University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, California; NEIL SWANSON, M.D., University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and JOHN A. ZITELLI, M.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.