Atopic Dermatitis

Question 0

Atopic Dermatitis is a…

Answer 0

Superficial, chronic inflammatory associated with allergy with a hereditary tendency.

Question 1

Also called …

Answer 1

Eczema

Question 2

Progression…

Answer 2

Commonly occurs during infancy, usually between 2 & 6 months of age & often persists into adulthood

Question 3

Clinical Manifestations (symptoms are similar w/ adults & children) …

Answer 3

• Infants & Children: reddened lesions occur on the cheeks, arms, & legs
• Adults: In the antecubital & popliteal space
• Lesions may have oozing vesicles
• As child gets older ➙ lesions tend to be dry w/ a thickening of the skin (lichenification)

Question 4

Infants w/ Eczema …

Answer 4

• Are more likely to have allergies as children & adults

- Are at ↑R/F developing asthma

Question 5

Treatment r/t allergies …

Answer 5

• Milk, eggs, wheat, & peanuts are most commonly suspected causes in children
• Food allergies are not asso w/ adult atopic dermatitis

Question 6

Treatment r/t pruritus …

Answer 6

• Oral antihistamines
• Topical steroids
• Immunomodulators

Question 7

Other treatments …

Answer 7

Systemic steroids are prescribed if condition is severe

Question 8

Home care r/t health promotion of the child …

Answer 8

• Avoid contact w/ persons w/ chickenpox virus or herpes simplex
• Avoid immunizations w/ LIVE vaccines d/t possibility of severe reactions

Question 9

Home care r/t personal hygiene …

Answer 9

• Keep fingernails/toenails cut short
• Avoid overheating
• ↓likelihood of perspiration (no nylon clothing)
• Wear nonirritating clothing
• Avoid wearing wool & abrasive fabrics

Question 10

Pt & parent edu r/t diet …

Answer 10

• Dietary restrictions w/ written guidelines
• Feed child when well rested & not itching
• Asst parents to ID foods w/ eggs & “hidden” allergenic foods

Question 11

Home care r/t avoiding & treating flare-ups …

Answer 11

• Avoid things that cause a flare-up
• When symptoms occur, treat w/ topical med
• Tepid bath w/ mild soap or an emulsifying oil followed immediately by application of an emollient
• Cool compresses ↓ itching

Question 12

NURSING PRIORITY: Applying emollients …

Answer 12

Apply immediately after bathing while skin is slightly moist to treat dry skin.