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Wound Care

Healing Moderate to Severe Wounds

The human body is well equipped to heal and mend small wounds. For larger and more severe lesions, professional wound care may be needed. This includes consultations from medical personnel and medicated ointments. Wound healing is not only important for local repair but also for the body’s overall physiological processes. If wounds become chronic, people can become susceptible to inflammatory cascades that can affect many organs. If wounds don’t heal correctly, it can lead to more issues down the road. Skin is the most commonly injured tissue, and its proper repair is important for the re-establishment of its barrier function.

Compounding Medications for Wound Care

Formulations are tailored to the needs of patients. Medications contain the necessary combination of active ingredients and base ingredients for specific types of wounds. For example, the option between a cream, ointment, or gel can be clinically significant. Gels are more water-soluble, so they may be preferred because they can be rinsed from the wound by irrigation.

Polyox bandages are also a great option for wound care. They can be puffed onto a wound and will stick even with the presence of bodily fluid. These bandages can be compounded and customized to contain the active ingredient prescribed by a doctor.

Scar Prevention

Our pharmacists are knowledgeable and experienced in the prevention of scars. Our ability to compound medication puts us in a unique position to develop the exact ointment needed by our patients. And of course, we work with your doctor to figure out the best recipe for your medication. Depending on the type of wound (burns, cuts, scrapes, etc.), different sets of ingredients may have a stronger impact. Possible scar-preventing ingredients include:
  • Silicone
  • Retinoids
  • Vitamin E
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Niacinamides

Occlusive, Water-Soluble Gel for Wound Management

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) based occlusive, water-soluble gels specifically formulated for wound management promote a moist environment allowing for optimal healing. These gels contain organic Meadowsweet Extract with phenolic glycosides and flavonoids that potentially provide germicidal, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties along with the ability to deliver Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) topically to sensitive wound sites.

Benefits:
  • Adherent
  • Occlusive
  • Water-washable allowing for easy cleaning and debridement
  • Maintains a moist wound site

Ideal for:
  • Wounds
  • Diabetic skin ulcers, insufficiency (stasis) ulcers, stage I-IV pressure ulcers
  • First and second-degree burns
  • Post-surgical incisions
  • Cuts & Abrasions
  • Dermatological applications where a water-washable base would be of benefit

A moist wound environment allows the possibility of increased macrophage and fibroblast activity, re-epithelialization and the production of collagen, and decreased pain. Water-washable bases are very important in wound care since wounds need to be cleaned/debrided on a regular basis. Ointments that are not water soluble can disrupt the healing process when the wound is cleaned.

PEG based vehicles should not be used where absorption of large quantities of polyethylene glycol is possible, such as on extensive burn areas and large surface areas, particularly in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment.

Skin Irritation

Cuts, burns, and lacerations to the skin can lead to irritation. Anytime there is damage, some irritation may occur. Cholestyramine and sucralfate are ingredients that can help provide relief. They can be included in a number of topical preparations such as:
  • Creams
  • Adhesive
  • Pastes
  • Enemas
  • Suppositories

They can provide relief from a variety of dermatologic and mucosal problems including:
  • Oral ulcers
  • Esophageal ulcers
  • Decubitus ulcers
  • Peristomal perineal excoriation
  • Radiation-induced rectal and vaginal ulcerations
  • Second and third-degree burns

Wound Odor Control

Some wounds can lead to bad odors and cause great distress and embarrassment for patients. The types of wounds that can lead to bothersome odors include:
  • Malignant cutaneous wounds
  • Ulcerated tumors
  • Some pressure ulcers
  • Fungating tumors

To help with this, topical metronidazole is included in medications. This has been used to eliminate odors and greatly improve the patient’s quality of life. Exudate (built-up fluid) and associated cellulitis may also decrease significantly with appropriate topical therapy.

Contact Us for Compounded Medications for Dermatology

Our pharmacy is a great resource for specialized wound care.  Our team of pharmacists is kind, helpful, and most of all knowledgeable in the field. We have the unique ability to formulate customized topical medications, which provides a significant advantage when dealing with a healing wound. You can fill out the form on this page or call our Littleton or Denver location for more information.

You can also text us directly here:
Littleton: 303-707-1500
Cherry Creek: 303-333-2010

Or send us a message on social media! Follow us and get a peek at how we make our medications in the lab.