Cochrane

Review question We aimed to find out which medications, taken by mouth for at least six weeks, are the most effective at curing fungal infection of the toenail, a condition that is known as onychomycosis, in people of any age. We compared these medications to each other or placebo (an inactive drug or treatment). Background Fungal infection of the ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about whether antiseptics are safe and effective for treating burn wounds. Background Burn wounds cause many injuries and deaths worldwide. People with burn wounds are especially vulnerable to infections. Antiseptics prevent the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria. They can be applied to burn wounds ...

Protocol: To assess the efficacy and safety of methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis in adults.

Review question Phototherapy is a pain-free method of treatment that uses light to treat various medical conditions. We reviewed the evidence about phototherapy for foot ulcers in people with diabetes. We wanted to find out whether phototherapy speeds up wound healing and improves patients' quality of life, and whether there are any side effects. Background Foot ...

Dressings and topical agents for treating pressure ulcers Review question We reviewed the evidence about the effects of dressings and topical agents (such as ointments, creams and gels) on pressure ulcer healing. There are many different dressings and topical agents available, and we wanted to find out which were the most effective. Background Pressure ...

Review Question We reviewed the evidence about the effect of anabolic steroids (medicines designed to increase muscle mass) for treating people with pressure ulcers. Background Pressure ulcers are also known as bed sores, pressure sores or decubitus ulcers. Pressure ulcers are a common medical problem amongst people confined to a bed or wheelchair ...

Background Cellulitis and erysipelas are both bacterial infections of the skin that most commonly affect the leg. Erysipelas affects the upper layers of the skin, and cellulitis affects its deeper parts, but in practice it is often hard to tell the difference between them, so we consider them together for this review (and refer to them as 'cellulitis'). ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about whether or not antimicrobial agents (antibacterial products) can prevent or treat foot infections in people with diabetes when they are applied topically (directly to the affected area). We wanted to find out if antibacterial treatments could help both infected and uninfected wounds to heal, and prevent ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about the effect of using either a scalpel (knife) or electrosurgery in surgical operations on the abdomen. Background During abdominal surgery, surgeons need to cut through several layers of abdominal wall tissue before reaching the target operation site. To do this, surgeons can use either a sharp-bladed ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence for the effect of any treatment on the common viral skin infection molluscum contagiosum. We excluded people with a repressed immune system or sexually transmitted molluscum contagiosum. Background Molluscum contagiosum in healthy people is a self limiting, relatively harmless viral skin infection. It mainly ...