PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T W McGovern

Publications and source records attributed to T W McGovern.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Is it, or isn't it? Poison ivy look-a-likes.

Poison ivy causes more allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) than any other cause. Although physicians rightfully focus on the treatment of the dermatitis, prevention will be aided by recognition of the foreboding plant. Likewise, many other plants can masquerade as poison ivy and cause one to needlessly curtail his or her activities because of fear of a bad reaction. The most common poison ivy pretenders in the United States are discussed, and distinguishing plant characteristics are highlighted.

Dermatitis, Toxicodendron↗
PubMed1999

Cutaneous manifestations of biological warfare and related threat agents.

The specter of biological warfare (BW) looms large in the minds of many Americans. The US government has required that emergency response teams in more than 100 American cities be trained by the year 2001 to recognize and contain a BW attack. The US military is requiring active duty soldiers to receive immunization against anthrax. Dermatologists need not feel helpless in the face of a potential BW attack. Many potential agents have cutaneous manifestations that the trained eye of a dermatologist can recognize. Through early recognition of a BW attack, dermatologists can aid public health authorities in diagnosing the cause so that preventive and containment measures can be instituted to mitigate morbidity and mortality. This article reviews bacterial, viral, and toxin threat agents and emphasizes those that would have cutaneous manifestations following an aerosol attack. We conclude with clues that can help one recognize a biological attack.

Anthrax↗
PubMed1999

Alstroemeria L. (Peruvian lily).

Alstroemerias are one of the most common plants that cause allergic contact dermatitis in floral workers. This colorful plant has gained great popularity among florists and their patrons. This concise review will help dermatologists to gain familiarity with this plant and show how to diagnose problems that it may cause.

4-Butyrolactone↗
PubMed1999

The language of plants.

Precise identification of plants requires consistent use of a well-established binomial nomenclature. This review highlights the basis for the systematic method of naming plants, the importance of its use, and the reasons for nomenclature changes over time. Furthermore, it provides practical tips for the identification of specific plants in the course of managing patients with suspected plant-induced contact dermatitis.

Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗
PubMed1999

Use of a lyophilized bovine collagen matrix in postoperative wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Immediate reconstruction is the preferred approach to the management of defects following Mohs micrographic surgery. In a minority of patients, however, reconstruction is contraindicated, and a long-term biological dressing that stimulates wound healing and minimizes wound care is desirable. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to assess the utility of a lyophilized, type I bovine collagen matrix (SkinTemp) in wound care and wound healing following Mohs micrographic surgery. METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated with a bovine collagen matrix following Mohs micrographic surgery. Study wounds were evaluated for time to complete granulation, time to complete epithelialization, and adverse reactions including infection and allergy. The time to complete healing (granulation and epithelialization) for this group was compared to 15 size- and site-matched surgical defects. RESULTS: The use of bovine collagen matrix provided more rapid wound healing than traditional second intention healing at all anatomic sites studied. The time to complete healing averaged 6.1 weeks with bovine collagen matrix versus 9.4 weeks for the control group. Use of bovine collagen matrix required an average of 3.0 dressing changes weekly compared to 7.0 changes weekly in the control group. There were no wound infections or allergic reactions to it. CONCLUSIONS: A Type I bovine collagen matrix provided a safe, readily available alternative to traditional methods of second intention healing. It minimized wound care while reducing the time for complete healing. A larger study should be performed to confirm the results of this pilot study.

Aged↗