Providing patients with information on caring for skin.

This article examines why healthcare professionals may find it difficult to advise patients about care of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. Strategies that might be helpful in improving advice for patients are discussed.

Health workers' agreement in clinical description of filarial lymphedema.

Severity of lymphedema and presence of entry lesions are risk factors for acute bacterial dermatolym-phangioadenitis (ADLA) in those with filarial lymphedema. Recurrent ADLA causes acute morbidity and progression of lymphedema severity; however, there is little work assessing the ability of health workers to reliably stage disease severity and identify risk entry lesions. This knowledge is important in initiation of management and assessing interventions.

Promoting skin health.

This article outlines the nurse's role in promoting the best methods of maintaining healthy skin. It discusses the key structures of the skin and its functions, the role of emollient therapy in children and adults, and external environmental factors.

Lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is a symptom of a malfunctioning lymphatic system. It is characterised by chronic swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph. Rebecca Penzer examines the nursing management of lymphoedema and the ways in which non-specialist nurses can offer support and promote self-care in patients with this potentially debilitating condition.