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The ‘super-oxidised’ water developed by scientists in California was shown to speed up wound healing, potentially important in the treatment of wounds in diabetes.
Mike Foster from Help the Aged, said:
“The team involved is a credible one and wound healing is a major area in the health of older people. We welcome any research that is proven to be safe and which can help. There is an urgent need to understand the biology of our repair systems so that we can improve treatments that will help to restore more people’s health and independence.
“Chronic leg wounds are a significant cause of disability and distress for older people. They cost £1 billion per year to treat. Venous leg ulcers, accounting for 70-80% of all ulcers, occur when veins in the lower leg are unable to return blood from the leg. The veins become swollen and a small knock may then start the process of ulceration. Biomedical research is needed to improve current treatments and to identify new, effective drug treatments.
“Pressure sores are skin wounds caused by constant sustained pressure on an area of skin, This pressure prevents blood supply and lymphatic drainage, so the skin dies. Pressure sores occur when people are still for long periods of time, particularly after illnesses such as stroke or hip fracture. They are preventable through diet and appropriate nursing but are still common amongst older people. It is a chronic health problem that causes pain and distress and contributes to social isolation.”
Tracey Kelly, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK, said:
“The healing of wounds is a major problem for people with diabetes who do not have good blood glucose control or have circulatory problems. With 15 per cent of foot ulcers resulting in lower limb amputation, Diabetes UK would welcome any safe effective treatment which could help people with diabetes make a swift recovery. This research is very interesting and we look forward to the phase three trial results.”