Abstract
The formation of diabetic wounds has been discussed, with an emphasis on the effects of force on the plantar tissues and the theoretical response of those tissues. As pressure reduction is an integral part of the healing process for diabetic wounds, many types of offloading strategies in the medical literature have been examined. All report success – to varying degrees – but not all comparisons have been applied in a similar way and few have controlled for similar variables. This article presents for discussion a range of off-loading methods that wound care practitioners can employ, depending on the site and severity of the presenting wound.

Abstract
Burn injuries still carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Central to this is control of sepsis by the use of good antimicrobial agents and the treatment of large burns in specialised burn centres, where the skills and expertise of the team enable early excision and skin grafting of such injuries. The introduction of new skin substitutes – which enable the dead tissue, a great culture medium for bacteria, to be removed and the raw areas to be covered – has helped considerably. Such procedures have been made possible by a team approach to the treatment of burn patients, particularly with respect to the control of sepsis.

Abstract
A needs assessment survey of community health nurses in the Waverley and Darlinghurst Community Health Centres in 1995 identified that community health nurses, within their scope of practice, manage a significant number of chronic wounds, including leg ulcers. Restricted access to medical and allied health specialists, newer products and updates on current trends in research were identified by the community health nurses as hindering their holistic management of those with chronic wounds.
This paper discusses how health promotion strategies were used during a wound care pilot project to design, develop and mobilise wound management resources for community health nurses at Waverley and Darlinghurst Community Health Centres. These resources included a resource folder, education sessions and an initial assessment form. Two self-help educational pamphlets – ‘Leg ulcer management’ and‘Nutrition and wound healing’ – were produced for clients. Surveys were sent to surgical supply companies in the geographical areas of Waverley and Darlinghurst Community Health Centres (the inner-city and eastern suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales) and the information gathered incorporated into a wholesalers’ folder that community health nurses could access.

Abstract
With the increase in the demand for latex products, latex allergy has emerged as a challenge for both health-care workers and the general population. It is important to identify the existence of this problem and, where skin changes occur in relation to the use of a latex product, the diagnosis of latex allergy needs to be considered.