Biofilm is an organized bacterial colony that protects itself with a sticky polysaccharide coating — the most common hidden cause of chronic wound healing failure. It exists in 60-80% of chronic wounds.
Why Biofilm Is Dangerous:
- Antibiotic resistance: Bacteria within biofilm are 1000 times more resistant to antibiotics than free-floating bacteria.
- Immune resistance: The coating protects bacteria from white blood cells.
- Chronic inflammation: Keeps the wound in constant inflammation preventing healing.
- Rapid regeneration: Reforms within 24-48 hours after removal.
How It's Detected:
- Often invisible to the naked eye — appears as a thin shiny or slimy layer on the wound.
- Indicators: wound not responding despite antibiotics, persistent exudate, friable granulation tissue.
Treatment:
- Repeated sharp debridement: Mechanical removal by scalpel or curette — most important step.
- Anti-biofilm dressings: Silver, polyhexanide (PHMB), iodine.
- Sequence: Debride → anti-biofilm dressing → repeat until controlled.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we treat biofilm systematically with regular debridement and specialized dressings.