10 January 2019

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) is an umbrella term for four types of MASD, namely; incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), intertriginous dermatitis (ID), peri-wound and peri-stomal skin damage.
 
Clinicians need to understand the risk factors for skin breakdown and how to assess and manage the different types of MASD. This is vital if preventative measures are to be put in place to reduce incidence by protecting and restoring the skin’s barrier function through a good skin care regimen.
 

22 May 2018

Wound infection can pose a significant challenge to healthcare professionals, as it can delay healing and increase pain, exudate volume and malodour. Thus, wound infection should be identified and treated effectively at the earliest sign
of changes.

22 May 2018

Vascular assessment, commonly using ABPI, is critical to determine if peripheral arterial disease is present before treatment with compression therapy. Failure to carry out assessment can result in harm in patients with arterial disease.

22 May 2018

Chronic oedema, swelling that has been present for 3 months or longer, has multiple causes and can have a negative impact on patient quality of life if left to progress. Identifying cause and managing using the cornerstones of skin care, exercise and compression therapy is key to successful outcomes.

22 May 2018

Wound bed preparation guides the preparation the bed of wounds healing by secondary intention, for healing or further treatment. TIMES allows a systematic approach to wound bed preparation to ensure all local factors that could be delaying closure are identified and addressed.

22 May 2018

It is estimated that one in four people with diabetes will have a diabetic foot ulcer during their lives, as a result of a combination of diabetes-related complications. Development of infection in a diabetic foot ulcer may be limb- or life-threatening. However, with good diabetes management and regular assessment this can be prevented.

22 May 2018

Skin tears are acute/traumatic wounds which commonly occur in those with fragile skin. While not always avoidable, they are considered preventable. As they can become chronic and cause considerable distress to patients, healthcare professionals need to be able to identify those at risk, and know both how to manage injury and minimise any risk of infection.

22 May 2018

Biofilm is thought to be present in all chronic wounds. Understanding what biofilm is and how to manage it is important to avoid delayed healing.