Volume 5, Number 1

Natalie Newman RGN and Emily Hoon DipN ENB 393, Staff Nurses at the Dowling Day Care Unit, St John’s Institute of Dermatology, London

Dithranol, in various preparations, is a frequently prescribed topical treatment for psoriasis. Its application requires skill and training to avoid some of the adverse effects it may have. Natalie Newman RGN and Emily Hoon DipN ENB 393, Staff Nurses at the Dowling Day Care Unit, St John’s Institute of Dermatology, London explain how to apply the treatment

Lynette Stone CBE BA RGN RM(NSW) DMS Head of Nursing, Specialist Medicine, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust, London

It is estimated that at least 70% of elderly people have skin problems and last year the Associate Parliamentary Group on Skin (APGS) conducted an enquiry into skin diseases in the elderly. Oral and written evidence was taken from healthcare professionals, specialists, patient groups and elderly people with skin disease.

Philip Watkins MSc BSc Diploma RN Clinical Nurse Specialist, St John’s Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London

Photophoresis was developed in the USA during the Eighties by a dermatologist, Dr Richard Edelson, for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).1 However, its use has been extended to treat other diseases which involve the body’s immune system.2,3,4

Steven J Ersser RGN BSc (Hons) PhD CertTHE Head of Nursing Development, University of Southampton and BDNG Committee, Research and International Advisor

As we enter a new century, the rate of change and development in dermatology care is unparalleled with any previous period in its history. Traditional role and service boundaries are changing as we devise new and creative services and approaches to meet perennial healthcare needs.

Mary Haynes RN, BN (Hons) Dermatology Liaison Sister, Department of Dermatology, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham

This article summarises a study undertaken by myself and illustrates how dermatology nurses can undertake research. I liken my involvement and experiences to taking a journey and hope to encourage many of you to do some travelling yourselves.

Rita Simmons RGN BSc (Hons) ENB 329 998 Nurse Specialist, East Kent Health Authority

The clinical condition known as scabies is caused by a tiny, parasitic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Symptoms develop in response to water soluble antigens produced by the mites within the skin.1 While not life-threatening, scabies can be severe and persistent, causing physical and psychological distress.2 This article examines the literature currently available and outlines the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of this infection.

Addah Mangwendeza DipHE RN(Adult) ENB 998 N18 N49 Clinical Nurse Specialist, Essex Rivers Healthcare, Colchester

Leg ulceration, defined as tissue breakdown on the leg or foot due to any cause, has been reported to affect approximately 1–2% of the population and most particularly, elderly people.1 There is a higher incidence of cases which result from chronic venous insufficiency than any other cause. The prevalence increases with age and the condition is a chronic, recurring problem.