Wounds Australia runs a series of fascinating events for care professionals around the country, including FREE webinars for our members. Recently, we were privileged to hear from Specialist Dermatologist Dr Alicia Thornton in a webinar titled 'Clinical Pearls in Dermatology'.

More than 200 people joined us on 7 May 2025 for an enlightening livestream on dermatological wound care. Emceed by Wound Care Management Nurse Practitioner and Wounds Australia NSW Committee Member Annette Kady, Dr Thornton covered an extensive range of topics, including: 

• Management of fungal infections in the context of diabetes related foot and lower leg ulceration 
• Diagnosis and management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Scleroderma
• Off-label use of medications systemic and topically 
• Compounding of topical agents, and the regulations and policies around using them 
• How to optimise referrals.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Scleroderma

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) affects 1 in 25 people, more commonly women. Smoking, obesity, diet and genetics are contributing factors to the condition. Management of HS includes medication and a team approach through a dermatologist, GP, endocrinologist, dietitian, nursing care, psychologist, exercise physiologist, plastic surgeon and support groups. 

Dr Thornton recommended oral zinc, Vitamin D supplements, loose cotton clothing, laser hair removal, antibacterial cleaners, topical retinoids and topical antibiotics for flare-ups and wound management. She also mentioned Hidrawear, an HS-specific adhesive-free wound dressing system that is currently available in Ireland, the USA, France, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain. 

Dr Thornton also briefly touched on scleroderma, a rare, idiopathic autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects approximately 20 in a million people. It has strong hereditary tendencies and more commonly affects women (4:1 ratio of women to men). 

Dr Thornton recommended the following dermatology resources:

• New Zealand Dermatologist Dr Amanda Oakley – Dermnet, and her book Dermatology Made Easy 
• Differential Diagnosis in Dermatology 
• Australia-based paediatric website Kinderderm 
• ASCIA care plan 
• Royal Children's Hospital 
• Dermatology Australia College 
• Rural access to dermatologists – Virtual Dermatology, Dermo Direct, Tele Dermatologist 

Thank you, Dermal Therapy

Thanks to our generous sponsors, Wounds Australia Silver Partner Dermal Therapy, whose Head of Technical and Innovation Amit Saha spoke briefly on the company's product range, which includes heel balms, antifungal, and scar treatment products. Explore Wounds Australia's partners.

Explore our event calendar

Our State and Territory Committees organise events on a range of exciting topics, presented by experts in their field, around Australia. Explore the schedule.

Wounds Australia membership

This livestream was free for Wounds Australia members and $90 for non-members. Members also have access to our webinar library which includes the Clinical Pearls in Dermatology livestream (requires login). Sign up to be a Wounds Australia member and start learning more about wound care today.