| Sumario: | Aim: A novel fluorescence imaging device has recently allowed real-time detection of bacteria in different types of wounds through endogenous autofluorescence. The fluorescence signals detected by the device provide health workers with a visual indication of the presence, load and distribution of bacteria. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of bacterial colonization in venous leg ulcers and perilesional skin of patients treated with two different types of bandages: compressive multilayer bandage and zinc oxide bandage. Method: We enrolled 14 patients with venous insufficiency, divided in two groups: group A was treated with compressive multilayer bandage and group B with zinc oxide bandage. We evaluated patients 2 times a week for 3 weeks using a fluorescent device able to detect potentially harmful bacteria in wound bed and perilesional skin. Evaluations were performed in a qualiquantitative way by two experienced operators on the frames taken at individual injuries. Results / Discussion: We observed a reduction in the bacterial colonization levels of the wound bed and perilesional skin by 67% and 57.15% for group A and 71.16% and 61.54% for group B. We obtained a reduction in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain of 65% and 67% for group A and group B, respectively. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the application of zinc oxide bandage provides a higher reduction in bacterial load in the wound bed and perilesional skin. On the other hand, we found no difference between the two bandages in terms of pain symptom reduction.
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