General treatment and wound management in hereditary epidermolysis bullosa: indication and experience using silver hydrofiber dressing

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare disorder characterized by cutaneomucous fragility, with formation of blisters during minimal trauma. Treatment consists of clinical and nutritional support and management of pain and skin lesions. Silver hydrofiber (Aquacel Ag®) is a type of carboxymethylcellulose fiber dressing with silver that can be used in selected cases of EB. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on the general treatment and management of cutaneous lesions in congenital EB and evaluate the indication and experience of using silver hydrofiber dressing. METHODS: The review included original articles and systematic reviews published between 2009 and 2014. We also selected two patients with congenital EB treated at the Plastic Surgery Division of Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto at the University of São Paulo. RESULTS: There is a shortage of scientific evidence related to the treatment of skin lesions in congenital EB, with most recommendations being based on expert opinions. Hydrofiber is indicated in most consensuses for wounds with some exudation and has been shown to be more absorbent than alginate. In our experience, there was apparent improved control of pain, bleeding, and hypothermia with the use of hydrofiber, which has the advantage of not requiring daily changes and can remain on the wound for up to two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The general and lesion treatments in EB are challenging. Hydrofiber with silver is a treatment option for wounds in hereditary EB, without the need for daily dressing changes.

Keywords

• epidermolysis bullosa
• therapeutics
• wounds and lesions
• occlusive dressings
• silver compounds