At the 35th Conference of the European Wound Management Association (EWMA 2025) in Barcelona, Flen Health was proud to contribute to the advancement of wound care by showcasing a series of e-posters and presentations. These were developed by - and in close collaboration with - dedicated healthcare professionals (HCPs) who use and trust Flaminal®in their daily practice. As part of our mission to support science-driven, patient-centered wound care, we’re pleased to share the abstracts that served as the foundation for these contributions. These abstracts offer valuable clinical insights and practical guidance for professionals across the wound care community. Compiled in the document below, the abstracts highlight the real-world impact of Flaminal®, demonstrating its antimicrobial protection, versatility, and ease of use. They illustrate how innovative wound care solutions can support clinicians in addressing the complex, evolving challenges they face every day. Featured Abstracts (in English and Spanish) Include: Enabling Patient Empowerment: The Impact of Versatile Dressings on Wound Healing and Quality of Life – A Case Series Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance in Wound Care: A Quality Improvement Project Investigating Stewardship Navigating Challenges in Treating Extensive Wounds: Insights, Best Practices, and Clinical Guidance from a Case Series Evaluating Hydro-Active Colloid Gel for Preventing Deterioration of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Critical Care Use of Enzyme Alginogel in Complex Traumatic Wounds in Pediatric Patients: Clinical Cases Navigating High-Risk Pediatric Wound Care: 20 Years of Clinical Insights Bridging the Gap: Accessible Wound Care for the Homeless Community Wound Follow-Up with Enzyme-Alginogel Ointment in Neuroischemic Diabetic Foot Wounds Optimización del protocolo de curas en heridas oncológicas complejas: un enfoque basado en la evidencia y casos clínicos Nuevo enfoque en el tratamiento de las quemaduras pediátricas con el uso de alginogel enzimático Alternativas a la cirugía: estrategias de manejo conservador Cierre de herida isquémica crónica infectada tratada con alginogel enzimático Con casco y en pantalón corto: la ayuda del alginato hidratado Enfermería y cuidados compartidos: pilar clave en el tratamiento multidisciplinar de la gangrena de Fournier Herida compleja en lesión postquirúrgica de un año de evolución Pediatric Burn Injuries: A Multidisciplinary Protocol Implemented in a Tertiary Center in Spain Tratamiento de quemaduras de espesor parcial con alginogel enzimático antimicrobiano Úlcera por presión (UPP) asociada al uso de dispositivos médicos Comparison of Enzyme Alginogel vs Standard Care in the Treatment of Burnt Hands Click on the link to consult EWMA GNEAUPP 2025 Conference Abstracts and Presentations This collaborative initiative reflects Flen Health’s deep appreciation for the HCPs who consistently go above and beyond in their clinical practice - and our commitment to supporting them with effective, evidence-based solutions. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the contributing professionals for their trust, dedication, and expertise. Together, we continue to meet the challenges of wound care and strive for better outcomes for patients around the world.
Supporting patients to take a more active role in their own care is an increasingly important aspect of modern healthcare and central to improving patient outcomes. In this article, we explore the concept of supported self-care and how shared care models can benefit patients, carers, and healthcare systems alike. The article outlines how facilitating self-management in wound care can boost patient confidence, quality of life and ease pressure on clinical resources through reducing dependency on routine nursing visits. It addresses common challenges faced in shared care and practical guidance for implementation. It also highlights the role of Flaminal® in enabling safe and effective self-care and how the ease of use, versatility, and strong safety profile of Flaminal®make it well suited in the support of wound self-management. The case series explored involves 10 patients showcases real-world outcomes, including improved wound condition, reduced signs of infection, enhanced mobility, and greater patient independence. Read on to discover how shared care and Flaminal® together can help transform wound care and empower patients to take control of their recovery. Read the full article here
Erythema, or “redness”, is still used as a principal indicator for skin damage seen in moisture and pressure damage, and infection. Whilst erythema is more visible in less pigmented skin, where colour contrast is greater, this is not consistently seen across all skin tones, particularly in skin with higher pigmentation1,2. In skin with higher levels of pigmentation, including black, brown, and olive tones, redness may be harder to see, or appear as 1,2: Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin Purple or bluish tones Grey or ashy changes Very slight differences compared to the surrounding skin These changes are commonly observed with pressure ulcers, moisture associated skin damage (MASD), dermatitis, radiotherapy induced skin reactions, burns and infected wounds. Holistic assessment of skin Undertaking a holistic assessment is an important part of wound care, and ensuring care is optimised for each individual’s needs3,4. This can include assessing a patient’s skin with an awareness of how skin tone can affect the appearance of damage, taking into consideration the person’s overall health and medical history and looking at non visual cues of skin damage. Non-visual cues Tactile assessment and sensation are as important as visual inspection when assessing the skin or a wound. How the skin feels to touch, and how a patient describes their symptoms, can provide early and valuable information that may not be easily visible3,4. These cues can help identify problems sooner and support more thorough and inclusive assessment across all skin tones. Assessing how the skin feels Increased warmth Pain or tenderness Itching, stinging, or burning Changes in texture Swelling Fragility or thinning of the skin Dryness, scaling, or skin breakdown These changes are often early indicators that the skin barrier may be compromised, or that a wound is deteriorating2,3,4. Identifying infection Early identification of infection is essential to prevent complications and delayed healing. Erythema can be an indicator of infection but may not always be visible. Infection should therefore be assessed using a combination of visual, tactile, and sensory signs, rather than colour alone. Signs of infection may include: Increased warmth compared to surrounding skin New or worsening pain or tenderness Swelling or skin breakdown, including weeping or delayed healing New or worsening odour Pus or foul-smelling discharge General signs of infection, such as fever or feeling unwell Awareness of these signs can help spot infection earlier, enabling faster assessment, timely treatment, and improved patient outcomes3,4. Inclusive care: A lack of visible redness or obvious colour change does not inherently mean the skin is healthy. Skin inspection should always be carried out with an awareness of skin tone, and as part of a holistic assessment. This includes looking at the skin, considering the person’s overall health and medical history, and thoroughly assessing any wounds present. If something feels different, uncomfortable, or abnormal, it should be checked, even if there are no obvious visual changes. For more information on this topic, make sure to check out the resources below: Flen health webinar: Radiotherapy induced skin reactions and early signs of damage in different skin tones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-qZOziN4eQ Article: https://www.flenhealth.co.uk/news/radiotherapy-skin-reactions-what-they-are-and-how-to-spot-them-in-different-skin-tones Best Practice Statement: Addressing skin tone bias in wound care: assessing signs and symptoms in people with dark skin tones: https://wounds-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/191ac9b79f47de2896cf1a30f39037f5.pdf References British Association of Dermatologists (2021). Describing erythema in skin of colour. Available at: https://www.bad.org.uk/healthcareprofessionals/inclusivityandrepresentation/erythema-in-skin-of-colour Wounds UK (2023). Skin tone bias in wound care. Available at: https://wounds-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/191ac9b79f47de2896cf1a30f39037f5.pdf Wounds UK (2023). Best practice statement: Addressing skin tone bias in wound care: assessing signs and symptoms in people with dark skin tones. London: Wounds UK. Available from: https://wounds-uk.com/best-practice-statements/addressing-skin-tone-bias-wound-care-assessing-signs-and-symptoms-people-dark-skin-tones/ Wounds International (2021). Wound care and skin tone: Signs, symptoms and terminology for all skin tones. London: Wounds International. Available from: https://woundsinternational.com/made-easy/wound-care-and-skin-tone/
