Health Problems in Infants

Question 1

What is colic and what are some characteristics of this behavior?

Answer 1

• It is excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infants
• Crying begins ~ 2 weeks, peaks ~ 6 weeks and improves by 3-4 months; usually self-limiting
• Wessel’s rules of 3: crying > 3 hrs/day, > 3 days/week, > 3 weeks
• Usually occurs in the evening

Question 2

What is diaper dermititis?

Answer 2

• Acute inflammatory skin disorder caused by wearing diapers (Skin is thinner, more chance for breakdown, and more water in infants skin)
• Bottle fed > BF infants

Question 3

What causes diaper dermititis?

Answer 3

• Prolonged and repeated contact with irritant (urine, feces, soaps, detergent, friction)
• Prolonged skin contact with diaper wetness->
• Maceration, friction damage, increases microbial counts, inflammation, ↑ skin pH -> ↑ fecal enzymes
• Skin eruptions in folds
• May be secondary to bacterial or yeast infection

Question 4

How would you prevent an infant from getting diaper dermititis?

Answer 4

• ointments (Vitamin A, D or E; zinc oxide) or petroleum to provide barrier to the skin (make sure skin is clean or you are sealing in the bad stuff)
• Frequent diaper changes
• Use super-absorbent disposable diapers
• Gentle washing of diaper area
• Avoid baby wipes that contain fragrance or preservatives
• Expose skin to air

Question 5

How would you treat an infant with diaper dermititis?

Answer 5

• May need topical glucocorticoid preparations (0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone cream)
• If you have fungal rash in diaper check mouth for trush
• For fungal diaper rash (candidiasis of diaper are), use topical nystatin ointment; treat orally
• Hair dryer or heat lamp not recommended
• Powders not recommended

Question 6

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis and what causes it?

Answer 6

• It is a Chronic, recurrent, inflammatory reaction of the skin
• Scalp—cradle cap
• Eyelids—blepharitis
• External ear—otitis externa
• Cause unknown: usually occurs with sebum production

Question 7

What are some nursing considerations Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Answer 7

• Soak area with mineral/vegetable oil to remove scales
• mild baby shampoo and thoroughly rinse
• Use fine-tooth comb or soft brush after shampooing to loosen crusts

Question 8

What is Atopic Dermatitis, what causes it, and what are some manifestations seen with it?

Answer 8

• It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition or eczema; it Is a category of dermatologic diseases and not a specific etiology
• It is usually caused by an allergy
• Manifests as Pruritic: “rash that itches”
• Rash: generalized, especially cheeks, scalp, trunk, extensor surfaces of extremities