Although hypotheses were not supported, more research is needed to understand how time in position and multiple chronic illnesses interact to affect skin pressure tolerance. P. H. Chandrasekar, MD, FACP Infections caused by the herpes family of viruses are on the rise. Mucocutaneous herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus. Clinical features frequently are atypical, particularly in compromised patients. Therefore, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for early diagnosis.
Pressure ulcers are a common and serious secondary complication of spinal cord injury.
In addition to being costly and difficult to treat, pressure ulcers may interfere with many aspects of patient and family life, including the ability to meet educational, vocational, and social goals. Treatment of pressure ulcers includes weekly assessment by a clinician, a requirement that often is impossible for clients to meet. In an effort to improve outcomes in wound care treatment, a rehabilitation center undertook an exploratory project to determine whether wound care via telerehabilitation was a viable alternative to clinic visits. Telerehabilitation is the use of telecommunication technology to deliver rehabilitation services at a distance. Eight patients being followed in the outpatient clinic participated in the project.