Lomboy, Heavenly Kyle S. BSN Ii-3

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LOMBOY, HEAVENLY KYLE S.

BSN II-3

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Definition

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin


condition characterized by dry, itchy skin. AD is often
referred to as eczema, a word that refers to a broader
group of skin conditions. "Dermatitis" refers to a
condition of the skin and "atopic" relates to diseases
caused by allergic reactions.

Pathophysiology

Signs and Symptoms

 Dry skin
 Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
 Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck,
upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, the face and scalp
 Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
 Thickened, cracked, scaly skin Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known. But some factors are linked to it, such as:

● Genes. Allergies and eczema run in families.


● The immune system. An immune system that isn’t fully developed may affect the
protective ability of the skin.
● External factors. These include winter weather, dry, hot temperatures and lack of skin
moisturizing

Who is at risk for atopic dermatitis?


A child has a greater chance of having atopic dermatitis if he or she has:

● Family members with atopic dermatitis


● Allergies

How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?

● Blood tests. Your child’s blood may be checked for levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE).
IgE is released by the body's immune system. It’s high in most children with allergies and
with atopic dermatitis. Other blood tests may be done too.
● Skin tests. Skin tests may be done to check for allergies or other skin conditions.

THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

● Corticosteroid cream or ointment. The cream or ointment is applied to the skin. This is
to help lessen itching and swelling.
● Antibiotic medicine. Liquid or pills may be taken by mouth to treat infection.
● Antihistamine. This medicine may be taken before sleep to help decrease itching and
improve sleep. It comes in liquid or pills and is taken by mouth.
● Calcineurin inhibitor cream or ointment. Cream or ointment is applied to the skin.
This is to help lessen itching and swelling.
● Phototherapy (light therapy). Light therapy may be done in the healthcare provider's
office or at home.
● Immunomodulatory medicine. This is a liquid or pill taken by mouth that affects the
immune system. It may be used when other treatments do not work well. This medicine
may have side effects. Your child will have regular blood tests to check for side effects.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

● Avoids triggers. Common triggers include irritants (such as wool, soap, or chemicals),
allergens if diagnosed by your healthcare provider, and stress.
● Doesn’t scratch the skin. Try to keep your child from scratching. It can cause worse
symptoms and infection.
● Always has short fingernails. Trim or file your child’s nails to keep them short and
prevent scratching.
● Takes warm baths or showers, not hot. Followed by application of a moisturizer on
damp skin.
● Uses moisturizers. Apply creams or ointments immediately after bathing.
● Wears soft clothing. Don’t dress your child in wool or other rough fabric.
● Keeps cool. Try to keep your child as cool as possible. Getting hot and sweating can
make him or her more uncomfortable.

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