Advanced Skin Care - A Novel Ingredient.

The skin provides the human body with protection and a major barrier to environmental assault. Caring for skin is sometimes an afterthought. In other words, if something isn't broken, don't fix it.

A review of cyanoacrylate liquid skin protectant and its efficacy on pedal fissures.

Introduction: Skin fissures are a common dermatologic condition caused by excessive dry skin, numerous systemic diseases, and backless shoe gear. They are defects in skin that fall into the category of damaged, partial-thickness skin wounds, as opposed to full-thickness wounds. Patients with heel fissures are at an increased risk for developing infection, which could cause more severe issues, especially in patients with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.

Modern collagen wound dressings: function and purpose.

Collagen, which is produced by fibroblasts, is the most abundant protein in the human body. A natural structural protein, collagen is involved in all 3 phases of the wound-healing cascade. It stimulates cellular migration and contributes to new tissue development.

An evaluation of costs and effects of a nutrient-based skin care program as a component of prevention of skin tears in an extended convalescent center.

Purpose: A decision model was developed in a pilot study comparing a regimen using a skin care product line containing active ingredients and nutrients with a commercially available alternative skin care regimen in an elderly convalescent care hospital-based center.

Methods: Using a decision-tree model, skin treatment with a nutrient-based skin care (NBSC) formulation was compared with products without nutrients. The number of skin-tear-free days was the primary outcome measure.

Use of alternatives to air-fluidized support surfaces in the care of complex wounds in postflap and postgraft patients.

Air-fluidized support surface therapy has many drawbacks, such as dehydration, in an already difficult recovery for those wound patients who have undergone flap and graft surgery. In addition, patient care and handling are also problematic. Patients complain of discomfort, and the instability of the surface interferes with patient stability in side lying and semi-Fowler's positions.

Implications of the new centers for medicare & medicaid services pressure ulcer policy in acute care.

One of the leading questions on clinicians' minds is, What are the implications of the new ruling of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in acute care, and how will it affect the wound care clinician? The CMS recently unveiled its plans for reimbursement and nonpayment for facility-acquired pressure ulcers, among other issues, in acute care. Change is coming, and this time prevention and intervention underlie the CMS payment reform ruling, which includes payment incentive for prevention and quality patient care. Intensive and comprehensive patient screenings at the outset of admission, as well as diligent prevention during patient stay, are the mainstays of this initiative.

Wound care organizations, programs, and certifications: an overview.

The number and variety of wound care organizations and certification programs have increased considerably in recent years. Many healthcare professionals interested in pursuing certification, employers who want to hire them, and the public at large are confused about the plethora of certification designations, program names, and requirements. Some of the largest wound care organizations in the US support or develop educational programs and meetings or support credentialing programs.

Managing ichthyosis: a case study.

Ichthyoses-- rare, genetic, incurable dermatologic diseases characterized by dry, thickened, scaling skin-- affect more than 1 million Americans and can cause devastating disfigurement with numerous physical, social, and emotional consequences. Topical treatments typically focus on symptom management. A 44-year-old man presented with severe X-linked type ichthyosis.