A Clinical Investigation into the Relationship between Increased Periwound Skin Temperature and Local Wound Infection in Patients with Chronic Leg Ulcers

Abstract

The results of this study demonstrate that incorporating quantitative skin temperature measurement into routine wound assessment provides a timely and reliable method for a wound care practitioner to quantify the heat associated with deep and surrounding skin infection and to monitor ongoing wound status. Study limitations may reduce transferability of these findings to wound types other than chronic leg ulcers. Further research is needed to support and strengthen these results.