Dermatology and diseases of the lower limb

Podiatrists manage a range of dermatological conditions affecting the lower limb, from acute skin lesions to chronic wound presentations.  This unit is designed to develop your understanding of skin and nail structure to allow you to evaluate and manage a range of conditions that will present in a podiatric clinical setting. You will also be exposed to inter-disciplinary practice and learn how to work in a culturally sensitive and safe manner.  

You will develop an understanding of the anatomy of the integumentary system, and the physiological changes across the life span via a series of lectures and tutorials. This hands-on unit will include practical sessions where you will perform a range of vascular assessments of the lower limb in a simulated setting and be able to diagnose and treat a range of pathological dermatological conditions affecting the foot, using specialised podiatry instruments.  A variety of workshops will expose you to various foot care and wound care products, and pharmacological therapies relevant to the management of your client.

This unit will complement your knowledge of health professional practice and highlight the role of the podiatrist as part of a multi-disciplinary team. You will also use evidence-based practice in the decision-making process of managing a client with dermatological conditions in the lower limb.