Search

Risk factors associated with wounds and skin infections amongst persons who inject drugs may have changed in the era of fentanyl and now stimulant coinjection. We assessed the number of injection site wounds and skin infections and associated factors amongst 675 persons who inject drugs in a syringe services programme. Of this sample, 173 participants reported a total of 307 wounds and skin infections. Significant factors associated with increased number of wounds and skin infections were age 30 or older, female gender, ever experiencing homelessness, cocaine injection, and injecting between 5 and 10 years. Wounds and skin infections were common amongst syringe services programme clients and are associated with certain risk factors that may help to design effective interventions. Given the high prevalence of wounds in syringe services programme clients, wound care clinicians can make a significant difference and improve outcomes. We also shed light on correlates of wounds and skin infections in persons who inject drugs in order to spur further research to devise efficacious interventions for this underserved group.

The purpose of this review is to describe the standard procedures used to treat venous leg ulcers (VLUs), including endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, or other surgical modalities, and discuss the associated literature. Results of relevant studies, including clinical trials, prospective studies, and retrospective chart reviews, will be critically analyzed and integrated with the authors’ clinical experience. We aim to compare the different methods to help guiding clinical decision-making. It is important to consider each patient’s medical comorbidities, age, and preference in considering a surgical intervention. Studies show that EVLA and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) enable ulcers to heal faster and lower the rates of recurrence. Minimally invasive procedures have replaced open surgical techniques as a means of treating VLUs. EVLA and UGFS appear to be safe and effective treatment options for most patients.

This survey study assesses the status and content of dermatology curricula in US medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.