[Non pharmacological treatment of severe cutaneous infections: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, dressings and local treatments]

Abstract

Beside conventional therapy, the management of necrotizing cellulitis and fasciitis is based on non-pharmacological treatments. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and dressings are the most frequently used techniques. The usefulness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is clearly demonstrated in experimental studies while the efficacy of this technique is poorly assessed in clinical practice. The French consensus conference has concluded to an adjuvant role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined to intensive care management, surgery and antibiotic therapy. Occlusive conventional dressings using humid or vaseline gauze dressings are largely used. Calcium alginate or silver coated dressings might be useful. In addition, vacuum-assisted closure therapy could be proposed in replacement of conventional dressings.