Professor Kayvan Shokrollahi
Consultant Burns, Plastic & Laser Surgeon, and Editor-in-Chief of the Scars, Burns & Healing Journal
A large wound technology industry has evolved in supporting clinicians in this area and research is at an all-time high.
The UK remains at the cutting-edge of managing a range of conditions, from burns and scars to more chronic wounds like pressure sores. A large wound technology industry has evolved in supporting clinicians in this area and research is at an all-time high. Advances including laser treatments and tissue engineering solutions continue to excite. Similarly, innovations in surgical reconstruction are also important for quickly healing wounds to avoid long-term dependence on expensive dressing care. The information age also heralds technologies within smart devices in a clinical setting.
Recent, sobering events in the UK have brought the management of wounds and injuries from a variety of causes into sharp focus.
Acid attacks on the rise in the South East
Assaults with corrosive substances appear to be on the rise in some areas especially in the South East, and this is an acute focus for prevention, as well as rehabilitation of survivors. Sadiq Khan provides his perspectives on this problem as Mayor of London.
We are running out of antibiotics
Antibiotic resistance remains a real cause for concern prompting the World Health Organization to recently release a list of ‘critical’ bacteria, for which we will shortly have no antibiotics. While some progress is being made, there is now a sense of urgency to tackle this issue before it is too late. A number of antimicrobial wound healing technologies are showing promise in the fight against infection.
Scar and burns rehabilitation
However, excitingly, a great deal of progress has been made in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of survivors of major injury, with a buzz surrounding a scar and burns rehabilitation centre on the horizon. I have considerable optimism for the future of wound healing and scar management in the UK, underpinned by innovation and research and dedication of front line staff.
