Atopic Dermatitis
What is it?
Also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects around 10-20% of children and 1-3% of adults worldwide.
Symptoms
- Intense itching
- Redness
- Scaling
- Dryness of the skin, especially on the hands, feet, face, and neck
- Papules
- Weeping, oozing, and crusting lesions
Nursing Priorities
- Regular skin hydration
- Avoidance of irritants
- Topical corticosteroids and antihistamines
- Immunomodulators: Educate parent to report infection such as a sore throat
- Education on proper skin care.
- Bathing with lukewarm water and using mild, fragrance-free soap
- Applying emollients or moisturizers regularly
- Avoid excessive bathing
- Wash clothes in mild soap
- Prevent infection by avoiding scratching and keeping nails short
- Monitor for impetigo (honey-colored crusts with surrounding erythema)