ABSTRACT Early detection of infection in superficial skin wounds remains a critical determinant of healing outcomes, particularly in paediatric populations, where developmental and behavioural factors often limit clinical assessment. Traditional diagnostic approaches, including visual inspection and culture‐based microbiology, are constrained by subjectivity and diagnostic delay. Over the past decade, several innovative technologies have emerged that enable earlier, more objective identification of pathogenic activity in wounds. This focused mini‐review summarizes recent advances in novel imaging, biosensor‐enabled smart dressings, and molecular diagnostics, with an emphasis on the mechanisms, clinical evidence, and applicability to superficial wound care. Collectively, these technologies represent a shift toward precision wound diagnostics that may facilitate earlier intervention, reduce unnecessary antimicrobial exposure, and improve healing outcomes.
Slabe et al. (Wed,) studied this question.