Skin and wounds

Skin diseases account for a staggering 24% of the UK's burden of illness, affecting millions of people living with inflammatory skin conditions such as acnes, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer and chronic wounds^**. These conditions can have profound effects on physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Collectively, they represent a substantial healthcare challenge and highlight the need for innovative research to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 1 in 20 older people and 1 in 4 people with diabetes will develop a chronic wound in their lifetime. The prognosis can be poor; up to 80% of chronic wounds become infected, increasing the risk of lower limb amputation. More concerning still, around 70% of people who undergo a wound-related lower limb amputation die within 5 years.

Antimicrobial resistance further complicates wound care and the management of some inflammatory skin diseases. Our research explores the microbiome and novel approaches to management, including devices, medication repurposing and targeted therapies, to reduce reliance on 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 and wound biology.

Through world-leading research and strategic partnerships, our work benefits patients locally while delivering national and international impact.

Our areas of focus include

Chronic wounds and pathological healing: By combining world-class research, advanced translational wound models, state-of-the-art technologies and expertise in clinical trials, we aim to understand why wounds fail to heal and develop new diagnostics and treatments.

Skin health and disease: Through a better understanding of infection and immunity, we are advancing research into inflammatory skin diseases including acne and associated scarring, psoriasis and eczema, skin cancer, and neglected tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis and dengue. We are also investigating the mechanisms that drive skin ageing and senescence. Using cutting-edge approaches such as microbiopsy technology and non-invasive imaging, our research supports the development of strategies to promote healthy skin, prevent disease and enable innovative therapeutics.