To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always by James Channing Shaw view PDF: CORINA’S PRIDE My resident, Rishaad, presented the case in the corridor: “This is Corina, a fifty year old woman with itching on her back, chest and abdomen. No other medical problems.” He presented his findings and working diagnosis. We entered the examination room. Corina appeared healthy. I agreed that the hundreds of tiny, rough bumps over her torso were probably benign keratoses. Being the third consultant, we performed a biopsy and prescribed short-term symptomatic treatment, asking her to return in a week or so. Outside the room, I explained that such an eruption of itchy … Continue reading
Tag Archives: comfort
Hand of Angel
“I Want Too Hold Your Hand” by Corinne Viens. Abstract: Dermatologists perform many minor surgical procedures on patients who are often anxious and/or needle-phobic. The simple act of holding a patient’s hand during the injection of local anesthetic has a calming and therapeutic effect. This essay is the personal experiences of a professional hand holder and her reflections on this service to the patient. Keywords: minor surgery, surgery, anxiety, needle phobia, hand holding, comfort, dermatology In the dermatology office where I have worked for nearly twenty years, I often hold the hands of patients while the doctor administers the local anesthesia prior to their procedures or, if they are exceptionally … Continue reading