A burn is an injury wherein the skin tissue or eye is partially or completely damaged by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, gas, friction, bitumen or radiation. A scald is a burn injury caused by a wet agent such as hot water or steam Burns and scalds can vary from minor to potentially fatal.

Porphyrins are a group of compounds defined by their chemical structure. These compounds are by-products of haem synthesis and are normally present at low co

Nicotine is an addictive alkaline chemical found in the tobacco plant and concentrated in its leaves. It is inhaled with each puff on a cigarette and ingeste

Poisoning occurs when an individual ingests, inhales, injects or absorbs (through the skin) a substance that is harmful to human health. Poisoning may cause illness, injury or even death. More than 160 000 people (or 1 in every 145) are poisoned every year in Australia.

Pruritus can be defined as an unpleasant sensation that evokes the feeling of wanting to scratch. The reason we itch is to protect the skin against noxious stimuli, as scratching or rubbing disrupts the irritant. Pruritis may accompany dermatologic conditions or arise from systemic disease.

Blood gas tests tell your doctor if you have enough oxygen in your blood and whether your blood is too acidic (acidosis) or too alkaline (alkalosis). Blood g

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), has several features distinguishing it from basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Awareness of the differences can assist with timely referral and treatment, thereby reducing morbidity associated with aggressive tumours.

The word menopause refers to the last or final menstrual period. When a woman has had no periods for 12 consecutive months, she is considered to be postmenopausal. At menopause, loss of ovarian follicles, follicular development and ovulation results in cessation of cyclical oestrogen and progesterone production.

Any person receiving care - regardless of age, gender or disability - should be able to access support without experiencing (or fearing) violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation or discrimination. Abusive behaviour of any kind towards older adults is a violation of basic human rights.