Volume 9, Number 4

Allan Highet BSc FRCP Consultant Dermatologist, York Hospital

This article addresses the differences between antibiotics (some of which can be used topically or systemically) and antiseptics (which are for topical use only). It explains when each should be used, as well as discussing situations where there may be an issue of topical versus systemic antibiotic. Some adverse effects of these agents, such as contact reactions or bacterial resistance, are also discussed.

Yvonne Walton RGN ENB 393 ENB 931 Dip Nursing Studies Dermatology Nurse Specialist, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle

Antihistamine therapy is the mainstay of treatment for urticaria, and an adjuvant to other treatments in many dermatological diseases. Often, it is necessary to try various antihistamines to find the most effective for the individual concerned. It is important for dermatology nurses to have up-to-date knowledge of this widely used group of drugs so that they can explain its role in treatment to patients.

Christine Moffatt PhD MA RGN DN Co-Director, The Centre For Research and Implementation of Clinical Practice, Thames Valley University

The management of patients with self-inflicted wounds is one of the greatest challenges faced by healthcare professionals.1,2 Attitudes towards these patients are often negative and involve punitive reactions, leading to ineffective care.3,4 Evidence suggests that varying forms of deliberate self-harm continue to increase, although the reasons for this are not fully understood.5,6

Julie Bowman, Editor

Babies, particularly newborns, are beloved by all sections of society. According to the Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, children are one-third of our population and all of our future.1 We fear for them, but we wish them well, and hope that each one grows to become part of a better generation.

Stephen Kownacki MBBS MRCGP GP, Hospital Practitioner in Dermatology and Chair, Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS)

At the recent Nursing in Practice event held on 23 November 2005 at the NEC in Birmingham, I gave a presentation on skin disease through the ages.

Neil Wigglesworth BSc (Hons) RGN Senior Nurse – Infection Control, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

In the UK, healthcare-associated infection (HCAI), particularly methicillin*-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is currently the subject of intense media and political interest. This is reflected in the stream of guidance documents and initiatives being produced by government health departments in England and the devolved administrations (see Box 1). So, what is the reality of MRSA in hospitals in the community and in dermatological practice?

Laura Moffatt MP Member of Parliament for Crawley. Member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin

The management of chronic skin conditions is increasingly being shifted to the primary care setting. This article considers the human resources that need to be in place to make this transition successful. It focuses on the need for teamwork between patients (who are increasingly expected to self-care), nurses, doctors and pharmacists. Provision of care for dermatological conditions in the community is desirable, but can only be successful if all the members of the team have the necessary skills and knowledge.

Rev. Prof. Stephen G Wright FRCN MBE Faculty of Health, St Martin’s College, Lancaster. Chairman, The Sacred Space Foundation. www.sacredspace.org.uk email: Steve@sacredspace.org.uk

In this age of finding the solutions to our problems through self-help,
regular columnist Steve Wright asks if more choice leads to greater happiness