Posts by Alyssa Flanders, PAC
Chronic Open Wound Management with Wound Vac
Chronic open wounds present a lifestyle challenge for patients. In particular, lower leg wounds can take months to fully heal and may require wound care to prevent infection and maintain a healthy, healing wound. A wound vac or “vacuum-assisted closure of wound” can expedite healing. A wound vac decreases the air pressure on the wound…
Read MoreTopical Treatment for Actinic Keratoses and Skin Cancer
Diffuse actinic sun damage can present a challenge for both patients and providers. First line treatment options include topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream or photodynamic therapy (PDT). Topical 5-FU cream is applied to the affected area for 2-3 weeks creating inflammation, redness, and crusting as the body eliminates the actinic damage. Alternatively, topical levulan is applied…
Read MoreWhat could you and Bob Marley have in common?
What should you do when you notice a lesion or area of your foot that looks different from the rest of your skin? Should you go to your primary care doctor? A dermatologist? A podiatrist? The lesion could be a variety of things including a wart, an ulcer, a fungal infection, a bruise or blood…
Read MoreA Simple Cream for Cancer with Not Always Simple Consequences
Some patients find themselves with a large number of skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions. While surgical excision is recommended for certain types of skin cancer, pre-cancers and superficial skin cancers can often be treated in other ways. These non-surgical options are often ideal for patients with many lesions who want to limit the number of…
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