This module provides practitioners with the skills required to effectively diagnose and manage skin conditions affecting the lower limb including management of patients with diabetic foot disease. It will develop knowledge of assessment and management of a range of skin conditions by promoting critical awareness, understanding and application of the current evidence base. It examines current national and international guidelines, and best practice in the assessment, treatment and management of patients with skin conditions affecting the lower limb. This course aims to consolidate and enhance professional competence and skill in managing patients with dermatological skin and nail conditions that affect the lower limb and any associated complications including those related to systemic diseases such as diabetes.

Content

Students will study a selection of topics such as:

• Assessment of the lower limb.

• Leg ulceration and associated dermatological conditions including eczema and allergic contact dermatitis

• Skin infections include bacterial, viral and fungal infections

• Cellulitis including management of underlying causes

• Nail conditions

• Skin lesions, benign and malignant, commonly presenting on the lower limb

• Plantar pustulosis and plantar psoriasis

• Diabetic Foot Disease

• Systemic diseases presenting as skin conditions on the lower limb such as pyoderma gangrenosum

• Models of service delivery, referral criteria.

This course is suitable for practitioners with a special interest in dermatological conditions and wounds of the lower limb who want to develop & consolidate practical skills. The course will be of interest to GPs, Tissue Viability and Dermatology Nurses, Advanced Care Practitioners, Podiatrists etc. who are managing people with skin conditions on a regular basis.

The assessment will be via a case-based clinical portfolio.