Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2689887/Second-skin-helps-burns-doctors-beat-MRSA.html
(Note that there is an illustration...to view click above)
‘Second skin’ helps Brit doctors beat MRSA
Published: Today
BRITISH medics have created a revolutionary "second skin" treatment for wounds and burns - which slashes the risk of MRSA.
The simple pad is applied to damaged tissue underneath a thin skin graft.
It helps the body to heal - and also wards off superbugs, which are the biggest threat to patients with open wounds.
The breakthrough could revolutionise treatment for blaze victims and injured soldiers.
Smart Matrix pads bond with injured flesh while "growing" a new layer on top - keeping out bugs.
They stimulate the growth of tiny blood vessels which provide nutrients and oxygen to the area.
That allows new natural tissue to grow and helps the body's immune system fight off infection.
The pad is made of special artificial fibres created in a lab.
Surgeons currently have to apply a dressing to wounds and burns and wait for up to three weeks for them to heal before they can perform a skin graft.
This leaves the wound exposed to bacteria and allows scar tissue to form, which can make the grafts less effective. Now the pad could eradicate the waiting time.
Around 112,000 people are treated in hospital for burns every year - and six in ten are children under the age of 12.
The NHS spends £3billion every year treating patients who have chronic wounds such as leg ulcers and bed sores.
Numerous attempts have been made over the years to synthesise a dressing that mimics skin.
Some labs have even used SHARK cartilage to stimulate skin growth. But most products do not fuse well with the body's own tissues, leaving patients with a high risk of infection and scarring.
Medical research charity RAFT - Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust - developed the pad. It is now raising funds to start patient trials, which could be rolled out starting next year.
Boss Leonor Stjepic said: "After years of research, our scientists now know that the Smart Matrix works in the laboratory.
"However, RAFT is a charity and we are dependent on donations to be able to carry out this vital work.
"If we could get the British public raising funds for us, the Smart Matrix could be with the first patient by the end of next year."
#
YOU can find out more or donate at www.raft.ac.uk
(Note that there is an illustration...to view click above)
‘Second skin’ helps Brit doctors beat MRSA
Published: Today
BRITISH medics have created a revolutionary "second skin" treatment for wounds and burns - which slashes the risk of MRSA.
The simple pad is applied to damaged tissue underneath a thin skin graft.
It helps the body to heal - and also wards off superbugs, which are the biggest threat to patients with open wounds.
The breakthrough could revolutionise treatment for blaze victims and injured soldiers.
Smart Matrix pads bond with injured flesh while "growing" a new layer on top - keeping out bugs.
They stimulate the growth of tiny blood vessels which provide nutrients and oxygen to the area.
That allows new natural tissue to grow and helps the body's immune system fight off infection.
The pad is made of special artificial fibres created in a lab.
Surgeons currently have to apply a dressing to wounds and burns and wait for up to three weeks for them to heal before they can perform a skin graft.
This leaves the wound exposed to bacteria and allows scar tissue to form, which can make the grafts less effective. Now the pad could eradicate the waiting time.
Around 112,000 people are treated in hospital for burns every year - and six in ten are children under the age of 12.
The NHS spends £3billion every year treating patients who have chronic wounds such as leg ulcers and bed sores.
Numerous attempts have been made over the years to synthesise a dressing that mimics skin.
Some labs have even used SHARK cartilage to stimulate skin growth. But most products do not fuse well with the body's own tissues, leaving patients with a high risk of infection and scarring.
Medical research charity RAFT - Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust - developed the pad. It is now raising funds to start patient trials, which could be rolled out starting next year.
Boss Leonor Stjepic said: "After years of research, our scientists now know that the Smart Matrix works in the laboratory.
"However, RAFT is a charity and we are dependent on donations to be able to carry out this vital work.
"If we could get the British public raising funds for us, the Smart Matrix could be with the first patient by the end of next year."
#
YOU can find out more or donate at www.raft.ac.uk