Shared Health Services Blog

Not all wound care products are compatible with Collagenase SANTYL. This guide outlines safe pairings, highlights key ingredients to avoid, and helps clinicians make evidence-based decisions when combining enzymatic debridement with other advanced wound therapies.

Venous ulcers often begin with valve failure in the leg veins. As blood pools and pressure rises, tissue becomes damaged, oxygen exchange declines, and ulcers form. This post explains the progression from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) to venous leg ulceration—plus treatment strategies like ABI testing and compression therapy to support healing.

Hyperbaric nurses are essential to wound care teams—overseeing safety checks, monitoring treatment response, and supporting patients through complex therapy plans. This post explores the multifaceted role of hyperbaric nurses in advanced wound care, from clinical oversight to compassionate care.

Doxycycline offers more than antibacterial effects—it may modulate chronic inflammation by targeting key molecular pathways. This post explores how doxycycline reduces MMP activity, TNF-alpha conversion, and nitric oxide production to support healing in complex, non-healing wounds.

Chronic refractory osteomyelitis is an infection that limits oxygen delivery and impairs healing. HBOT raises tissue oxygen levels to boost immune response, improve antibiotic access, and promote bone regeneration. This post explains how HBOT supports recovery when standard treatments fall short.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is being explored in sports medicine for soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and contusions. This post reviews the current research on HBOT for acute traumatic injuries and highlights its potential to reduce inflammation and support healing. We also honor athletes like Tristian—whose story reminds us why timely recovery matters in wound care and rehab.

Crust, often mistaken for eschar, is a common feature in superficial wound healing. This post explains what crust looks like, when it's part of the normal healing process, and how to distinguish it from deeper tissue concerns. Understanding these visual cues helps clinicians choose the right interventions without disrupting progress.

Wagner Grade 5 ulcers represent the most severe stage of diabetic foot wounds, often involving extensive gangrene and full-foot involvement. In this post, we examine what a Grade 5 wound looks like, why immediate intervention is critical, and how advanced therapies like HBOT may support limb salvage when paired with surgical care.

Wagner Grade 4 ulcers involve localized gangrene of the forefoot or heel and often signal advanced ischemia and irreversible tissue loss. This post outlines what clinicians look for when diagnosing Grade 4 ulcers and how wound care teams evaluate amputation risk, limb salvage potential, and HBOT as a supportive therapy option.

Not all wound coverings are created equal. While crust forms from dried exudate on superficial wounds, eschar is deeper, devitalized tissue often linked to chronic wounds or necrosis. This post explores how to differentiate between the two, why it matters for staging and treatment, and how proper identification guides wound care decisions.

Dialysis patients face elevated cardiac risks — especially during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This post explores best practices for safely managing HBOT in dialysis patients, including EKG screening, fluid status checks, and coordination with nephrology teams. Learn how SHS helps providers deliver safe, compliant, and confident care for this high-risk population.

Osteomyelitis in diabetic foot ulcers can escalate quickly without early intervention. This post explores evidence-backed strategies—like serial radiographs, fine-needle biopsy, and cytokine modulation—to help wound care teams diagnose earlier, treat smarter, and avoid costly complications.

Osteomyelitis is often overlooked in patients with Stage III or IV pressure injuries—leading to delayed diagnosis, prolonged treatment, and missed opportunities for HBOT. This post explores how subtle signs are missed, why surface-level staging isn’t always enough, and what wound care teams can do to strengthen clinical pathways. Learn how SHS supports smarter escalation and better outcomes through early recognition and strategic intervention.

Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis (CRO) remains one of the most complex wounds in hyperbaric medicine. This post explores how HBOT supports healing by raising oxygen tension, enhancing leukocyte function, and overcoming the ischemic barriers that limit antibiotics. Learn when to refer, how pO₂ levels impact outcomes, and what makes CRO the prototypical HBO problem wound.

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a devastating diabetic complication that often goes undiagnosed until advanced stages. Early signs—like swelling and redness without an open wound—are commonly mistaken for infection. This post explores the importance of clinical suspicion, podiatric collaboration, and early imaging to preserve function and prevent limb loss.

Chronic wound pain is more than discomfort—it’s a clinical signal of inflammation, hypoxia, and disrupted healing. This post explores how chronic wounds enter a self-sustaining pain cycle and outlines actionable strategies to break it. By addressing the underlying causes—like poor oxygenation, edema, and metabolic acidosis—clinicians can improve comfort, reduce suffering, and support healing for medically complex patients.

Oxygen toxicity is a known risk during HBOT, but strategies like air breaks, antioxidant support, and oxygen scheduling can reduce that risk. This post explores the underlying mechanisms of cellular toxicity, the body’s natural defenses, and how hyperbaric teams can implement practical safety protocols to protect patients and optimize treatment outcomes.

Dialysis patients face significantly higher cardiac risks during HBOT due to structural heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, and fluid shifts. This post outlines evidence-based strategies for risk reduction, including treatment timing, monitoring protocols, and interdisciplinary care coordination to support safer outcomes.