Skin tone and wound care: bridging the knowledge and care provision gap

A systematic review of diversity in dermatologic randomised control trials showed that, while racial and ethnic data reporting is becoming increasingly transparent, inclusive representation remains...

Timescaled monitoring to manage venous leg ulcers and chronic oedema

Unlike acute wounds, chronic wounds do not follow a straightforward trajectory along predicted timescales but remain in the inflammatory phase. This results in harmful inflammation, excess exudate and...

Effectiveness of zinc therapy for the treatment of pressure ulcers

This commentary aims to critically appraise the methods used within the review of Song et al (2020) and expand upon the findings in the context of clinical practice..

Venous eczema: more than just a rash

Venous eczema is a rash that affects the skin of the lower legs (Gawkrodger, 2006). It is not caused by any infection (non-infective) and does not cause the affected area to swell (non-inflammatory);...

Patients and healthcare professionals join forces to drive up standards in wound care

Non wound care specialists need more training in wound care.

Dressings and dignity in community nursing

Community nursing is not appreciated outside the professional group (Drew, 2011); therefore, this study adopted an ethnographic methodology, because it offered potential for community nursing culture...

Achieving effective patient outcomes with PolyMem® Silicone Border

PolyMem dressings are hydrophilic polyurethane matrix dressings with a mild, non-toxic wound cleansing agent (F-68 surfactant). Glycerine (also known as glycerol) is a moisturising agent which helps...

Preventing skin tears among older adults in the community

First, it is important to clarify what a skin tear is, as there can be some confusion or misconception that it is a minor issue or something far less complex than one might think..

ACT NOW in diabetes and foot assessments: an essential service

There were 7545 major amputations in people living with diabetes in England across three years from 2015–2018 (Public Health England, 2019). There is also a postcode lottery for amputation rates, with...

Optimising resources: an evidence-based pathway using UrgoStart for community-based patients with wounds

The Carter review (NHS England, 2018b) encouraged the implementation of evidence-based practice as a means to improve outcomes, but added that a large proportion of trusts ‘do not capture basic...

Decolonising wound care teaching

Why nurses in primary care need to be research active: the case of venous leg ulceration

The optimal care pathway for VLU is set out in the updated 2019 NICE clinical knowledge summary (CKS) (NICE, 2019). The first action for wounds suspected of being venous in origin is appropriate...