Which Strategies Can Be Effective Against Chronic Infected Wounds?

Chronic wounds pose a significant therapeutic challenge due to their complex etiology, long patient treatment time and high treatment costs. Wound healing is hindered by the presence of necrotic tissue, elevated pH, and biofilm formation. The key therapeutic approach involves regular wound debridement combined with appropriate antimicrobial agents. Due to increasing bacterial resistance and biofilm forming, there is an urgent need for effective therapies that eliminate biofilm and support the healing process. Here we discuss innovative approaches for treating infected chronic wounds, including the use of hydrogels, photodynamic therapy, probiotics, and phage therapy. Advances in these methods, such as chemical modifications and nanotechnology applications, open up new possibilities for effective wound treatment. The greatest potential for clinical application lies in strategies based on advanced hydrogels and antibacterial dressings, as well as photodynamic therapy.