Residents of the East Coast of Australia this is a little reminder for you. The summer months are the mating season for the funnel web spider, so the males become “ wanderers”, leaving the burrow to look for a mate. Whilst wandering, they can become trapped
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
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
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
Dr Jacqui Chirgwin is the lead Phlebologist and Medical Director of Newcastle's (NSW) Vein and Laser Centre. I recently had the opportunity to spend a day with her and her team in order to learn more about the role of sclerotherapy and laser ablation for
Pressure injury is recognised as commencing in deeper soft tissues and by the time that skin changes are visible it is generally too late to avoid tissue damage. Visual inspection of skin over bony prominences is an important assessment and care activity. However, an objective
Until recently I had never heard of Podoconiosis. It presents in a very similar fashion to the better known Elephantitis or Filariasis, which produces chronic oedema with its accompanying skin changes and limb deformity. Filariasis is mosquito bourne and involves the habitation of a round
Gary Sibbald and James Elliott eloquently describe their clinical mantra for treating a patient with neuropathic foot ulceration. They refer to the process as the "VIPs of care". V = ensuring an adequate vascular supply. Examine pulses, systolic arterial pressures (including in the great toe) and