Exploring the Lived Experiences of Vulnerable Females from a Low-Resource Setting during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The onset of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the mental health and well-being of women in vulnerable settings. Currently, there is limited evidence that explores the wellness of elderly women under the associated restrictions. This study explores the lived experiences of elderly women in a vulnerable community in Durban, South Africa. A face-to-face, in-depth qualitative approach was implemented to interview 12 women aged 50 years and over. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that social interactions, the effect of a high death rate, and financial strain predominantly affect stress and anxiety levels. Despite the women being in receipt of pensions and/or other grants, their supplementary income was reduced. This, together with the additional expenses incurred during the lockdown, resulted in anxiety over finances. The lack of social interaction, with limits on visiting family and other loved ones when they were ill, along with the limit on the number of people attending the funerals of loved ones were also stressful. This study also reports on the resulting coping mechanisms, which included using hobbies such as baking and sewing as a means of self-care. Religious beliefs also relieved stress while home remedies were used as preventative measures during the lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19.

Treatment of cutaneous lichen planus (part 2): a review of systemic therapies.

Background: Although numerous medications are available for the treatment of cutaneous lichen planus (CLP), recurrence is common and there is a lack of evidence of efficacy of many treatment options. Part 1 reviewed consolidated evidence from topical therapies and phototherapy. In Part 2, all systemic treatments are assessed. Methods: All English studies, regardless of design, investigating the outcome of systemic treatment for CLP, until January 2018, were included. While there were only a few well-designed randomized control trials (RCTs), evidence was extrapolated and graded from open trials, case series as well as case reports. Results: Mini pulse therapy with corticosteroids should be considered over moderate daily dosing with retinoids being an alternative option. Low-dose methotrexate is considered effective and safe provided it is regularly monitored. Azathioprine, cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil require larger more defined RCTs in resistant CLP. Low-molecular-weight heparins may be considered in patients with no response to first-line treatment. Biologics are potentially promising but there is a need for RCTs with a considerable duration to determine their long-term safety profiles. Evidence with various other drugs were reported. Conclusion: Clinicians may have a broader perspective on the efficacy of treatments across all study profiles.