Team PSA 2026: Caroline Diamantis FPS, Prof Mark Naunton MPS and Bridget Totterman MPS[/caption]
A/Prof Fei Sim and Prof Mark Naunton[/caption]
Clinical features 
Warm compresses are the cornerstone of treatment, helping to soften the lesion, bring pus to the surface and encourage spontaneous drainage. A clean face cloth soaked in warm (not hot) water should be applied to the closed eyelid for 2–5 minutes, twice daily during the active phase. Once the stye begins to drain, any discharge should be gently wiped away using a clean, warm washcloth. After resolution, continuing warm compresses once daily may help prevent recurrence.2 
Case scenario
Thomas, 22, presents to your pharmacy with a prescription for doxycycline for a bacterial infection. They have fair skin, work as a builder and are a keen surfer. You discuss with them the risk of sunburn with doxycycline, but they say they do not want to use sunscreen every day because they heard it would lower their vitamin D levels.
Learning objectivesAfter reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:
Competency standards (2016) addressed: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.5 Accreditation number: CAP2510SYPVS Accreditation expiry: 31/09/2028 |
Already read the CPD in the journal? Scroll to the bottom to SUBMIT ANSWERS.
Introduction
The sun produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which spans a section of the electromagnetic spectrum defined as 100–400 nm in wavelength, with subdivisions into UVA (320–400 nm), UVB (290–320 nm) and UVC (100–290 nm).1 While there are many sources of UV radiation, the major source for human exposure is the sun.2
UVB radiation is needed for the body to convert vitamin D to its active form.3 However, it can damage DNA, leading to photo-aging of the skin, eye issues such as cortical cataracts and skin cancers.4–6
Australia has the highes
THIS IS A CPD ARTICLE. YOU NEED TO BE A PSA MEMBER AND LOGGED IN TO READ MORE.
