New Powder Speeds Healing of Difficult Foot Wounds

Study Discussed at the American Podiatric Medical Association's 97th Annual
Scientific Meeting

BETHESDA, Md., July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Foot complications, such as
open wounds and ulcers, can be one of the most difficult ailments for a
podiatrist to treat. However, a new wound dressing powder, which acts very
much like a layer of skin, is proving to speed the healing time and reduce the
amount of pain that a patient suffering from a serious foot ulcer would
normally experience. This includes open sores on the feet as a result of
inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes or skin cancer. The study results will
be released at the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) 97th Annual
Scientific Meeting in Toronto, July 30 - August 2, 2009, and will highlight
the powder's unique ability to rapidly heal foot wounds and advance the
treatment patients currently receive.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090730/DC54472LOGO )

This wound powder is especially promising for the nearly 24 million Americans
diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of
non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations in the United States. In a recent APMA
survey, 18 percent of people with diabetes reported that they have experienced
a foot sore that would not heal. This powder's successful treatment of
difficult foot wounds could potentially lead to a reduction in amputation
rates.

"This new powder aggregates, or comes together, in an amazing flexible film
that mimics the wound's surface and helps it to retain moisture and protect
the wound, but still allows the right amount of air flow needed for the wound
to close," said Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, the lead podiatric physician for the
study and Associate Professor at Temple University School of Podiatric
Medicine.

The study focused on atypical wounds with irregular shapes and causes. The
wounds were treated with the powder dressing once a week for four to eight
weeks. The study ultimately showed that the powder dressing provided a
painless, efficient, and protective treatment that assisted in closing the
wound. The powder also helped in preparing the wound for further
interventions that are sometimes needed, including options like skin grafts or
the use of sutures.

"My colleagues and I are excited to continue working with this new wound
powder product and look forward to its future uses in treating notoriously
difficult types of foot wounds we regularly encounter," added Vlahovic.

To review the study's findings, visit www.apma.org/ASM09.

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the
nation's leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of
podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also
known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to
diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and structures of the
leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of
undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited
podiatric medical college and two or three years of hospital residency
training. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and
its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists. All
practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice
podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

SOURCE American Podiatric Medical Association

Amie Hornbaker, +1-301-675-0835, aehornbaker@apma.org, or Angela Berard,
+1-301-861-9342, ahberard@apma.org, both of American Podiatric Medical
Association