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An Introduction about SUPERBUGS and how they emerge!
An Introduction about SUPERBUGS and how they emerge!

“Superbugs” refers to those strains of bacteria which have become resistant to most of the antibiotics, available at present. Merriam Webster dictionary defines a Superbug as “a pathogenic microorganism and especially a bacterium that has developed resistance to the medications normally used against it”.

The superbugs cause many dangerous infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections and skin infections to name a few. As per WHO, in 2016, nearly 5 lac people developed multi-drug resistant TB globally.

Superbugs with antibiotic resistance are a threat to the healthcare industry because the drugs become ineffective and the infection persists in the body, with increased chances to spread to others. This is due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. With the absence of effective antibiotics, success rates of the major surgeries may also be compromised.

The superbugs have been classified based on the risk factor, in a report released by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, “Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. Some common superbugs include MRSA, ESBL, VRE, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella, Campylobacter, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, some strains of Candida & Salmonella (as described in our last blog “VELVERT TM: Herbal Antimicrobial Barrier Dressing”).

The published CDC report also mentions those superbug strains that have the potential to become resistant in the future. These include:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus
  • Mycoplasma genitalium
  • Bordetella pertussis

Do you know that most of the doctors use carbapenem antibiotics to treat severe and other high-risk bacterial infections? Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriaceae are those bacteria that have developed resistance to even carbapenems.

Few strains of bacteria have even developed resistance to sanitizers, such as the alcohol-based disinfectants that many hospitals use. As per a report “Increasing tolerance of hospital Enterococcus faecium to handwash alcohols” published in the Science Translational Medicine 01 Aug 2018”, the strains of E. faecium isolated after 2010 were found to be 10 times more tolerant to alcohol disinfectants than their older isolates.

Symptoms

There are no special symptoms of infections caused by superbugs. However, the infection doesn’t respond well to the treatment and if the symptoms get worse may indicate a superbug infection.

How can we prevent the evolution of these superbugs?

It is well understood that superbugs emerge whenever there is a misuse of antibiotics; people living or working in unhygienic/ unsanitary conditions or having poor infection prevention and control practices.

The emergence of superbugs may be avoided by preventing antibiotic resistance. This can be done either by using antibiotics only when needed or as prescribed by the physician; or by completing the therapy course even if the symptoms vanish or you feel better, and by not sharing your antibiotics with others or by never using the leftover prescribed drugs.

A case of a novel Coronavirus:

Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new virus first identified in China. The virus is responsible for causing respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

There is not much known about this novel virus but it appears to be spreading from person-to-person by respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can be mild to severe and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. They may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

WHO and CDC recommend taking the following precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

  • Washing hands regularly or sanitizing them.
  • Covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
  • Avoiding direct contact with sick persons.
  • Maintaining cleanliness.
  • Staying home, if sick.

We, Datt Mediproducts, understand that prevention is better than cure and is one of the most crucial ways to fight superbugs. Practicing safe hygienic methods, washing hands-on regular intervals, practicing safe sex and following safe cooking methods can help prevent infections.

We also recommend eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to boost your immunity.

Above all DO NOT MISUSE ANTIBIOTICS because there are not any new antibiotics in the pipeline and we rely on antibiotics to deliver modern health care.

Don’t Misuse Antibiotics & Keep away from Superbugs

Visit www.dattmedi.com for more infomation.
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Wound Care in Diabetes

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing chronic wounds, particularly foot ulcers. Effective wound care is crucial for preventing complications and promoting healing in diabetic patients. In this blog, you will explore the nature of diabetic wounds, prevention techniques, and management strategies to help healthcare professionals and patients navigate these challenges.

Understanding Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic wounds, especially foot ulcers, are common complications resulting from prolonged high blood sugar levels. These wounds often develop due to neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral arterial disease, which impair sensation and blood flow. Consequently, minor injuries can go unnoticed and progress into serious ulcers. Left untreated, these ulcers can lead to severe infections and, in extreme cases, amputations.

1. Prevention Techniques for Diabetic Ulcers:

Preventing diabetic ulcers is essential to reduce the risk of severe complications. Here are some effective prevention strategies.

2. Regular Foot Inspections: 

Diabetic patients should inspect their feet (or have someone inspect it) on a daily basis for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Early detection of potential issues can prevent minor problems from becoming serious ulcers.

3. Proper Footwear: 

  • Wearing well-fitting shoes and socks designed for diabetics can prevent pressure points and reduce the risk of injuries. 
  • Avoid wearing tight stockings or socks with elastic tops as they can reduce blood flow.
  • Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures.
  • Do not treat corn or calluses on your own. 
  • Avoiding barefoot walking, even at home, is crucial.

4. Good Hygiene: 

Keeping feet clean and dry is essential. Patients should wash their feet daily with mild soap and water, then dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

5. Blood Sugar Control: 

Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication can significantly reduce the risk of neuropathy and poor circulation, which contribute to ulcer formation.

6. Regular Medical Foot Check-Ups: 

Routine visits to a healthcare provider or a podiatrist for foot exams can help identify and address problems early.

7. Management Strategies for Diabetic Patients:

When ulcers do occur, effective management is vital to promote healing and prevent complications.

Here are some key strategies:

  • Wound Cleaning and Dressing: Keeping the ulcer clean and protected is essential. Cleaning the wound with a saline solution and using appropriate dressings, such as those provided by DMP Velvert®, can create an optimal healing environment. It provides a barrier to external contaminants, aids absorption of exudates and accelerates wound healing.
  • Debridement: Removing dead tissue from the wound (debridement) can accelerate the healing process. This procedure should be performed by a healthcare professional.
  • Pressure Offloading: Reducing pressure on the affected area is crucial. Patients may need special footwear, casts, or braces to alleviate pressure on the ulcer. Foot or mobility exercises also help in decreasing peak pressure, increasing foot and ankle range of motion and it improves neuropathy symptoms.
  • Infection Control: Monitoring for signs of infection and using antibiotics when necessary is critical. Proper wound care products, like Velvert®, which offer antimicrobial properties, can help prevent infections.
  • Blood Flow Improvement: Enhancing blood circulation through medical treatments or lifestyle changes can aid in the healing process. This might include medications, physical therapy, or surgical interventions. Revascularization results in increased tissue perfusion, which can further reduce amputation rates.
Diabetic ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes, but with proper prevention and management strategies, their impact can be significantly reduced. Regular foot inspections, good hygiene, appropriate footwear, and effective blood sugar control are key preventive measures. When ulcers do develop, it is best to catch them in the early stages when they are small, products combined with professional medical care, can promote healing and prevent complications.

At Datt Mediproducts, we offer Velvert®, an advanced wound care solution designed to aid in the management of diabetic ulcers. Velvert® dressings are crafted to provide superior moisture retention and protection, creating an optimal environment for wound healing. They also incorporate antimicrobial properties to reduce the risk of infection, which is crucial for diabetic patients. Velvert® is easy to apply and remove, ensuring minimal discomfort for patients.

Wound Care Myths Debunked

When it comes to wound care, there’s a lot of advice floating around. Some of it is helpful, while other bits are more myth than fact. Let’s clear up some common wound care myths and get to the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Wounds Need Sunlight to Heal

Fact: While sunshine is great for your mood, it’s not beneficial for healing wounds. In fact, direct sunlight can actually cause burns and damage the tissues that are trying to heal. So, to promote proper healing, keep wounds covered and out of direct sunlight.
Source : Cleveland Clinic

Myth 2: Wound Itching Means Healing

Fact: A bit of itching around a wound can be a sign that it’s healing, but it’s not always the case. Itching might also indicate an allergic reaction or infection. Monitor any itching along with other symptoms to ensure the healing process is on track.
Source : Advanced Tissue

Myth 3: Hydrogen Peroxide is the Best Cleaner for Wounds

Fact: Using hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds can actually slow down the healing process by damaging healthy cells. Instead, stick to gentle cleansing with mild soap and water to keep things clean without causing additional damage.
Source : University of Utah Healthcare & Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists

Myth 4: Keep Wounds Dry for Faster Healing

Fact: While it’s essential to keep wounds clean, keeping them too dry can actually slow down the healing process. Wounds heal better in a moist environment, so using dressings to maintain the right level of moisture can speed up recovery.
Source : LifeMD™

Understanding the Importance of Proper Wound Care

Wound care isn’t just about cleaning and covering a wound; it’s about understanding the underlying processes that help your body repair itself. Following evidence-based practices ensures that wounds heal properly and complications are minimized. Here’s why these practices are crucial:

  • Preventing Infections: Proper wound care minimizes the risk of infection, which can complicate healing and lead to more serious health issues.
  • Promoting Faster Healing: By maintaining a moist environment and protecting the wound, you accelerate the natural healing process.

When to Seek Professional Help

While minor cuts and scrapes can often be treated at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention:

  • Deep or Large Wounds: Significant injuries that penetrate deep into the skin or are extensive in size require medical assessment.
  • Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around the wound, or pus are signs of infection that need medical intervention.
  • Delayed Healing: If a wound does not show signs of healing within a reasonable period, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

In a nutshell, taking care of wounds isn’t complicated, but it’s important to distinguish fact from fiction. By following evidence-based practices and seeking professional advice when needed, you can ensure your wounds heal properly and without unnecessary complications.

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