An excellent reminder today from a pharmacist colleague who was discussing the therapeutic variations that are observed when topical (patch) medications are applied to the skin of those individuals of advanced age. Due to reductions in corneocyte thickness, lipid volume and dermal vascularity the desired
I have come to realise that a chronic wound is skin in organ failure. As with all other organs the key is to determine whether the failure is reversible or not. Once known then the clinician and patient can design an intervention to address the
A recent report on ABC News described a current case of Necrotising Fasciitis in Victoria, Australia. This is a timely reminder to health care clinicians to be mindful of the etiology and presentation of this rare but devastating infection. https://www.cdc.gov/features/necrotizingfasciitis/index.html
Some years back Prof David Armstrong wrote this excellent article for his patients. His advice is just as pertinent 8 years on. Have a read and perhaps share it with your patients too. https://diabeticfootonline.com/2009/09/21/common-foot-problems-and-their-solutions/
The US Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (2015) produced the Wound Care Patient's Bill of Rights. The statements within this document are worthy of consideration as the principles expressed may have a meaningful place within our own individual professional practices. Patients have a right to
Professor Marco Romanelli (Pisa, Italy) was the headline speaker on the Conference's plenary session day. He provided a fascinating summary of the work being done to advance point of care (POC) technologies for the diagnostics and monitoring of chronic / hard-to-heal wounds. Cameras able to
Amanda Steinhauser recently wrote a blog piece (Wound Source August 2017) discussing how accurate outcomes reporting improves patient care. She made an interesting statement
FDA has approved L-glutamine powder (oral administration) for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Hydroxyurea has been the gold standard for many years however it has been identified as a causal agent of spontaneous, painful lower leg ulcers in small numbers of patients. Glutamine is
A recent study by Nassaji, Ghorbani and Shkofte concluded that Atorvastatin may have a role in preventing diabetic foot related infections. They point out that whilst statins have a lipid-lowering effect, they also demonstrate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions. Their observations are supported by work done
In NSW the price of electricity rises by 20% this month. Wage and pension increases are at all time lows and have been for some time. However the cost of utilities, vehicle registration, insurances, pharmaceuticals, council rates and food continue to increase. People are either