Skin Care Resources

Moisture can affect the normal function and permeability of the skin, leaving our bodies susceptible to infection. The damaging effects of moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) impact a wide range of patient groups, however, wounds caused by moisture are often mistaken for and treated as if they are pressure ulcers. Moisture can come into contact with the skin from a number of sources, but damage can be treated in the same way, despite its cause. In the authors’ clinical opinion, if nursing staff are able to identify and treat skin damage correctly according to its aetiology, faster rates of healing, improved quality of life, and fewer resources used on wound care would be seen. This article looks at the identification of seven aetiologies of MASD following an audit, and the subsequent development and implementation of a protocol to improve and standardise skin care in the authors’ trust, which it was hoped would provide a dynamic and unified approach to the management and education of MASD.

Erosive pustular dermatosis (EPD) of the leg is a rare condition that is challenging and complex to diagnose and treat. This cutaneous inflammatory disease is associated with trophic changes of the lower limb, and while its incidence is unknown, it is believed to be more common than previously thought. Care of leg ulcers poses a considerable burden to the health service, although it is estimated that only half of patients receive the appropriate treatment. This article reflects on the case of a patient with chronic ulcerated and swollen legs who was referred to a wound advisory clinic by his GP. It critically assesses the data from the patient history, physical examination and treatment decisions. It is hoped that describing this case — patient history, findings from physical examination and treatment plan — will help further community nurses’ understanding of the condition.

The 2014 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the assessment and management of psoriasis were updated in 2017. There is little of note in relation to the previous articles in this series, however since the development of more biologics and cheaper forms of biosimilars, the guidelines were amended to reflect these readily available treatments (NICE, 2017a). The seventh and final article in this series provides an overview of systemic non-biological and biologic therapies. It looks at how these treatments target and treat psoriasis, as well as side-effects, contraindications and monitoring recommendations of certain drugs.

Skin tears are a common type of tissue injury, which often go unrecognised and misdiagnosed. Furthermore, classification and documentation of skin is often poor, resulting in chronic wounds with associated adverse patient outcomes. The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) recently updated the International Best Practice Guidelines and definition of a skin tear based on emerging evidence and expert discussion and consensus. This article presents a discussion of the epidemiology, risk factors and causes of skin tears. In addition, the most recent best practice recommendations for the prevention, assessment, and management of skin tears is summarised.

Skin tears are a largely preventable common injury, particularly in the elderly. However, if not managed appropriately, they have the potential to develop into problematic wounds. This article discusses their classification, why they are common in ageing skin, gives advice on correct wound management strategies and how assessing the patient and their environment and simple strategies can be employed to prevent their reoccurrence.