Wound Healing of Cutaneous Sulfur Mustard Injuries: Strategies for the Development of Improved Therapies
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (HD) is an alkylating chemical warfare agent that primarily affects the eyes, skin, and airways. HD injuries can take several months to heal, necessitate lengthy hospitalizations, and result in significant cosmetic and/or functional deficits. Historically, blister aspiration and/or deroofing (epidermal removal), physical debridement, irrigation, topical antibiotics, and sterile dressings have been the main courses of action in the medical management of cutaneous HD injuries. Current treatment strategy consists of symptomatic management and is designed to relieve symptoms, prevent infections, and promote healing. There are currently no standardized or optimized methods of casualty management that prevent or minimize deficits and provide for speedy wound healing. Several laboratories are actively searching for improved therapies for cutaneous vesicant injury, with the aim of returning damaged skin to optimal appearance and normal function in the shortest time. Improved treatment will result in a better cosmetic and fanctional outcome for the patient, and will enable the casualty to return to normal activities sooner. This editorial gives brief overviews of HD use, toxicity, concepts for medical countermeasures, current treatments, and strategies for the development of improved therapies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 05, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA442459
Entities
People
- Beverly I. Maliner
- Charles G. Hurst
- John S. Graham
- Paul Rice
- Robert P Chilcott
- Stephen M. Milner
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense