Barriers to healing

Excess exudate and infection have long been known to delay wound healing. And now, we're understanding more about the role biofilm plays in delayed wound healing

Biofilm, which forms when colonies of bacteria secrete a slime layer to protect themselves⁹, is pretty common. It is involved in approximately 80% of all healthcare infections¹⁰. The plaque on your teeth, urinary tract infections and eye infections are all linked to biofilm^11-13. Even though you can’t always see it, the majority of chronic wounds contain biofilm¹⁴ – and it’s a key cause of delayed wound healing¹⁵ and a precursor to infection.¹⁶

Biofilm is difficult to remove completely¹⁷ – even with debridement – and reforms quickly¹⁸. It tolerates:

• Antimicrobials such as PHMB*¹⁹, honey²⁰, iodine^21,22 and silver²³
• Antibiotics²⁴
• Attempts by the body to clean the wound bed²⁵ and close the wound¹⁹