Skin and wounds

Skin diseases account for a staggering 24% of the UK's burden of illness.** From common conditions like acne and eczema to severe cases such as psoriasis and skin cancer, these diseases can significantly impact patients' quality of life.

1 in 20 older people and 1 in 4 diabetics will develop a chronic wound in their lifetime. The prognosis is poor; Up to 80% of chronic wounds become infected, increasing the risk of lower limb amputation. Even more distressing, 70% of wound-related lower limb amputees die within 5 years.

Antimicrobial resistance further complicates wound care, demanding innovative solutions to replace broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics.

By focusing on this major area of unmet clinical need, we aim to revolutionise skin and wound care, improving the lives of countless patients and addressing the substantial costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and management.

_{* Guest JF et al., BMJ Open. 2020 doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045253}

_{** Global Burden of Disease project}

Through collaboration with industry and the NHS, we are uncovering vital insights into skin biology and wound pathology.

Through our world-leading research and strategic industry partnerships, our work not only benefits patients locally, but also has a national and global reach.

Our areas of focus include:

• Chronic wounds and pathological healing: By combining world-class research, cutting-edge translational wound models, and expertise in clinical trials, we aim to understand the causes of healing failure in chronic wounds, and develop new diagnostics and treatments.
  
  
• Skin ageing and diabetes: We explore the shared mechanisms between skin ageing and diabetes, leveraging cutting-edge techniques like microbiopsy and non-invasive imaging. Our research informs the development of anti-aging strategies for improved skin health and disease protection.
  
  
• Skin microbiome in health and disease: Investigating the skin microbiota and its interactions with our skin cells, we identify how bacteria is linked to poor outcomes, ranging from acne to chronic wounds. Our aim is to create effective interventions that combat disease.