Topical Cream and Wet Wrap Offer Hope For Atopic Dermatitis Sufferers
The combination of a topical corticosteroid and a wet pajama wrap significantly improves the itching and discomfort associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), according to an article in the October 2005 issue of Dermatology Nursing. Kelly L. Barham, MD, and Gil Yosipovitch, MD, suggest patients use the topical cream and wet pajama treatment for one week to enhance the medication’s effectiveness in the affected area and alleviate itching.
Wet-wraps work by cooling the skin, increasing moisture to the skin and creating a barrier against scratching. The authors propose using a pair of pajamas as the wet-wrap garment in this outpatient treatment for adults and children.
Barham and Yosipovitch describe steps for applying daily wet-wrap treatments at home and suggest doing the treatment once a day for a week. The authors consider nurses invaluable in educating patients about AD and believe their counseling will improve the effectiveness of wet-wrap treatments. (It’s a Wrap: The Use of Wet Pajamas in Wet-Wrap Dressings for Atopic Dermatitis; Kelly L. Barham, MD; Gil Yosipovitch, MD; Dermatology Nursing; October 2005; www.dermatologynursing.net)
Cryomolds Faster, More Accurate Than Free-Hand Embedding
The use of cryomolds in tissue embedding and preparation during micrographic skin cancer surgery reduces time spent embedding and allows for more complete tissue sections, according to an article in the October 2005 issue of Dermatology Nursing. Kenneth Bielinski, MD, states that the cryomold technique is not widely used, and he describes how to incorporate the technique into dermatologic surgical practice.
Bielinski finds that using a cryomold, a small, disposable plastic mold designed to hold specimens, allows him to complete specimen embedding (checking for cancerous cells) more quickly than the free-hand technique. In addition, the cryomold’s flat base provides a level plane to work on, and the number of sections (layers of skin) required for margins is reduced, says Bielinski.
The author found the cryomold worked best with thin specimens because thick or very large specimens did not fit in the cryomold. Bielinski says changing from free-hand embedding to the crymold greatly contributed to a more accurate and efficient laboratory. (Cryomold Use in Mohs’ Micrographic Surgery; Kenneth Bielinski, MD; Dermatology Nursing; October 2005; www.dermatologynursing.net)
How to Operate a Well-Run Drug and Vaccine Management System
Since many drugs and vaccines now require refrigeration or freezing, dermatology practices should maintain a well-designed drug and vaccine management system, according to the Management Focus article in the October 2005 issue of Dermatology Nursing. Gabi Brockelsby recommends designating one person to manage the program and another as a backup. These individuals will be responsible for storing and dispensing all drugs and vaccines in the practice.
Brockelsby proposes developing a drug and vaccine inventory log, implementing a training program for all employees, maintaining appropriate storage equipment and preparing for emergencies. She provides guidelines for implementing these processes and recommends dermatology practices with drug and vaccine management systems in place review their processes to ensure compliance.
The Management Focus series, written by members of the Association of Dermatology Administration/Managers (ADA/M), explores issues health care managers face related to patient care as well as nonclinical topics and emphasizes the benefit of collaboration in providing patient care. For more information about ADA/M, visit www.ada-m.org. (Vaccine and Drug Storage; Gabi Brockelsby; Dermatology Nursing; October 2005; www.dermatologynursing.net)
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Members of the media: Feel free to use these news briefs as filler in your publications. For more information, or if you would like to interview one of the authors, contact Linda Alexander at linda@ajj.com or 856-256-2300, ext. 2411.
Dermatology Nursing is the official journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA). The journal is nursing's premier skin care resource and contains state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed articles on all aspects of skin and wound care.