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Clinical Research
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The use of clothing containing silver fibers in the treatment of patients with epidermolysis bullosa Thomas Serena, MD, FACS, Michele Kaufman, JD PA-C, Natalie Baldauf Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of skin diseases characterized by blistering of the skin. The loss of the protective skin barrier increases the risk of infectious complications. Moreover, in the scarring forms of EB, ulceration of the skin can lead to deformity particularly in the extremities Case Presentation: Two female patients, age 3 and 8 years, with the scarring recessive form of EB suffer from recurrent mitten deformities of the hands and frequent blistering of the lower extremities. The mitten deformities have been treated with multiple surgical interventions. The use of bi-layered cell therapy has reduced the need for repeated surgeries to separate the digits. Truncal and lower extremity ulcerations have responded to non adherent silicone based dressings. As a preventative measure we fabricated silver garments and gloves using a variety of materials embedded with X-Static¨ silver fibers. Results: The silver pajamas and gloves were well tolerated by the girls. There were no infections during the first 4 months of treatment. The gloves allowed the fingers to remain separated reducing the risk of recurrent scarring and deformity. The gloves were also employed postoperatively once the surgical dressing had been removed. Conclusion: The incorporation of silver fibers into clothing may aid in the management of patients with chronic skin diseases such as EB. Series of three studies conducted on the application of silver-coated thread (X-static) when used in different media, including hosiery, shoes and carpet. Pennsylvania State University, 1987. Wright JB, Lam K, Burrell RE. Wound management in an era of increasing bacterial antibiotic resistance: a role for topical silver treatment. Am J Infection Control. 1998;26:572Ð577. |
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