Inflammation is the result of the immune system’s response to localised damage. Acute inflammation results in local redness, heat, swelling and pain and resolves once the cellular debris and any foreign materials have been removed from the area. This is a normal, healthy response to exogenous cell death or tissue injury that is essential for re-establishing homeostasis and a prerequisite for tissue repair. Conversely, chronic inflammation is an unhealthy and persistent inflammatory response that results in an unabated change in tissue cellular composition and delayed healing. The early detection and treatment of excessive inflammation in wounds of individuals susceptible to uncontrolled or chronic inflammation is therefore important in reducing tissue damage and encouraging progression to healing. This Made Easy explains the causes and impact of inflammation on wounds, describes problems relating to excessive inflammation and outlines the roles of inflammation-managing dressings in containing and controlling a potentially unhealthy inflammatory response. It also specifically describes how the PolyMem range of multifunctional polymeric dressings work and the way in which they reduce and counter inflammation, thereby promoting healing.
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