Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which occurs most often in children compared with the adult AD population [5]. Wool is commonly considered an allergen and trigger for exacerbation of AD. However, Super Fine Merino Wool (SMW) has not been extensively studied and may show some effect in improving AD symptoms such as itch, erythema and induration. To explore this hypothesis, we performed an investigator blinded, repeated measures, self-controlled experimental design study with Super Fine Merino Base Layer Garments (SMWBG). SMWBG were worn by 29 patients with AD between the ages of 6 to 25 years over a 15 week period. We examined the tolerability and potential therapeutic effect of SMWBG (garments worn directly against the skin) in children and young adults with atopic dermatitis (AD). Response was assessed using validated scoring scales: Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD 1 ), Eczema Area Severty Index (EASI 2 ), Patient-Orientated Eczema Measures (POEM 3 ) and a non-validated Dermatitis Severity Assessment (DSA 4 ). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to measure the difference between garment intervention phases. Statistically significant results were observed between the pre-garment intervention phase and the with-garment interventionphases for many of the scores. Results found that SMWBG were well-tolerated in children and young adults as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of AD. This study was conducted in Brisbane, Australia between July 2014 and October 2015 and is Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approved.

Actinic (solar) keratoses are premalignant lesions caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, with the potential to progress into squamous cell carcinoma. Hence, use of appropriate therapies is critical for effective treatment. Daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate cream is a convenient new option for the safe and effective treatment of actinic (solar) keratosis lesions, offering similar efficacy to conventional photodynamic therapy, nearly painless treatment, and reduced in-clinic times. Use of appropriate therapies and optimization of clinical practice are critical for safe and effective treatment. Nurses play a key role in ensuring best clinical practice and effective treatment. This article explains the practicalities and principles of daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy to ensure best practice by treating nurses.

Actinic (solar) keratoses are premalignant lesions caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, with the potential to progress into squamous cell carcinoma. Hence, use of appropriate therapies is critical for effective treatment. Daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate cream is a convenient new option for the safe and effective treatment of actinic (solar) keratosis lesions, offering similar efficacy to conventional photodynamic therapy, nearly painless treatment, and reduced in-clinic times. Use of appropriate therapies and optimization of clinical practice are critical for safe and effective treatment. Nurses play a key role in ensuring best clinical practice and effective treatment. This article explains the practicalities and principles of daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy to ensure best practice by treating nurses.

Impairment of the protein C pathway, detectable by reduced plasma levels of activated protein C (APC), are risk factors for venous thrombosis. Activated protein C maintains clotting homeostasis by regulation of pro-coagulant factors Va and VIIIa. Both infection and the factor V Leiden mutation reduce the formation of APC from protein C in the blood. With low levels of APC, excess factors Va and VIIIa exist, increasing the risk of thrombus formation. Livedo racemosa is characterised by a striking, violaceous branch-like pattering of the skin. It is similar to livedo reticularis, but with a different morphology and histopathology. In this case report we present the first case of livedo racemosa, in an 89-year-old factor V Leiden-positive patient with a Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary tract infection. The cutaneous biopsies demonstrated vasculopathy with intraluminal thrombi in subcutaneous vessels with no evidence of inflammatory vasculitis.