The importance of periwound skin in wound healing: an overview of the evidence

Abstract

The importance of the periwound skin as the ‘organ of healing’ in the skin should not be underestimated. This paper explores the numerous healing processes originating in the periwound skin, without which healing progression would not occur. This paper also explores how damage to the periwound skin is ubiquitous and can occur because of underlying pathology, misdiagnosis, mismanagement or the use of inappropriate treatments. As such, it is imperative that management strategies, including correct assessment of both wound bed and periwound skin, identify the correct treatment choice to lead to better patient/wound outcomes. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Lower leg ulcer diagnosis and principles of treatment

“…The aim of our checklist is to highlight the holistic assessment of a patient with a leg ulcer (Table 11). It does not focus in wound assessment per se, but includes also the assessment of periwound skin which often is neglected (148,149). The checklist does not necessarily assist in making a diagnosis but helps the clinician in the systematic assessment and appropriate management plan.…”