Journal of Community Nursing

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EDITORIAL i
O ne of the features of Skin Care Today is that it highlights
why good skin care is relevant to many areas of nursing
practice, not just dermatology nurses. When skin fails,
the physical symptoms include pain, soreness and itch, but it is
not only the physical pain which is distressing
— the psychological factors of embarrassment,
stigmatisation and social isolation are also
debilitating. In this issue, we consider both the
physical and psychological aspects of skin care,
alongside the usual practical advice that make
Skin Care Today such a useful journal.
Tissue viability and dermatology should always work closely
together. Looking at it crudely, tissue viability focuses on compromised
or absent skin, whereas dermatology deals with skin that is starting
to exhibit problems. In both fields, key health promotion messages
involve protecting the skin, preventing its breakdown and enhancing
its natural functions. This relationship between dermatology and tissue
viability is featured here in articles on caring for the periwound skin
and skin tears. In both cases, avoiding skin breakdown is preferable,
but where it does occur, rapid intervention can minimise the effects.
Itching is a common symptom of many skin conditions and three
of the articles here offer approaches to dealing with pruritus. Successful
management of atopic eczema, for example, usually involves emollients
and topical corticosteroids along with support for parents and children.
Topical corticosteroids often cause grave concern and the practical tips
offered here should help readers to allay any fears. As we approach
summer we should also be aware of promoting sun awareness
messages (while heeding them ourselves, of course). Finding shade at
the hottest times of the day and wearing a hat, close weave protective
clothing and sunglasses form the bedrock of this advice. Sunscreens are
also critical, however, and patients should be reminded that applying
sunscreen is not an excuse to spend longer in the sun, nor to be out in
it at the hottest times of the day.
As revalidation looms large for all nurses, we hope that this issue
provides you with plenty of material to build your portfolio. Next time
you care for someone with a skin problem you may consider reflecting
on how the articles here have helped how you look after them.
Rebecca Penzer, dermatology specialist nurse, Bedford Hospital;
visiting lecturer, University of Hertfordshire, April, 2016
Managing director
Nicola Rusling
Publisher
Binkie Mais
Editor
Jason Beckford-Ball
Business manager
Alec O’Dare
07535 282827
Sales manager
Sam Ciotkowski
Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect those of Wound Care People Limited.
Any products referred to by the authors should only be used as
recommended by manufacturers’data sheets.
Good skin care is not just
about dermatology
©Wound Care People Limited 2016
First Floor, Unit G, Wixford Park, George’s Elm Lane, Bidford on Avon, Alcester B40 4JS
ISSN 2058-6760
t: +44(0) 1789 582000
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All rights reserved. No part of the Skin Care Today journal may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system or transmitted by any means electronic or mechanical, photocopied or
otherwise without the prior written permission of Wound Care People Limited.
Printed in England by Blackmore Ltd, Shaftesbury
i Contents
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8
10
Annemarie Brown
18
Ann Joy
26
to care
Polly Buchanan, Zoe Chouliara
33
Tanya Flavell
SKIN CARE TODAY 2016,Vol 2, No 1 3