Self care for the skin (3) Flashcards
Roles of layers of the skin
Epidermis
-outer most thin layer
-regulates the water content of skin
Dermis
-thicket layer under the dermis
-contains nerve endings, vasculature, and hair follicules
Hypodermis
-under the dermis
-provides nourishment and cushioning for epidermis and dermis
Functions of skin
To protect the body from external harmful agents, pathogenic organisms, and chemicals
Also important in hydro-regulation (controls moisture movement into and out of the body)
What is xerosis
dry skin
Xerosis pathophysiology/etiology
result of decreased water content (causes abnormal cell loss) … disruption of skin turn over - keratinization and desquamation
various etiologies
can be caused by long hot showers or not enough water intake
common in older adults - older people have inadequate water content, decrease in fatty substances in skin, and hormonal changes - allowing them to be more susceptible to dry skin
can also be caused by detergent use, malnutrition, and damage to stratum carenum
Xerosis (dry skin) presentation
One or more of the following…
Pruritis (most common cause of itchiness)
Scaling
Loss of flexibility
Fissures (opening in the skin)
Inflammation
Dry skin (xerosis) goals of therapy
Restore skin hydration
Restore barrier function
Educate about prevention and treatment
Dry skin (xerosis) treatment
Modify environment (add humidity)
Modify bathing habits (use tepid, not hot water)
Restore barrier function (emollients/moisturizers - apply on moist skin to lock in moisture)
Reduce itching and redness (add topical hydrocortisone if needed)
What is atopic dermatitis
Inflammatory condition of the epidermis and dermis
Episodic flares with periods of remission
Effects 10-20% of children, many of whom will have symptoms into adulthood
80% of AD is classified as mild and can be treated with OTC products
Atopic triad
Atopic dermatitis and atopic rhinitis occur in 80% of people who have atopic asthma
Atopic dermatitis pathophysiology
Large genetic components
-filaggrin protein mutation
Inflamed skin
Decreased moisture retention
What is used to determine severity of atopic dermatitis?
SCORAD index
-used to determine if mild, moderate or severe
(most is mild and can be treated OTC)
Atopic dermatitis presentation in children vs adults
Children
-typically occurs within first year (often 2-3 months of age)
-initially redness/scaling on cheeks, may progress to affect face, neck, forehead, and extremities
-crusts/pustules can form from scratching and rubbing
-remission usually occurs by the end of the second year with xerosis often continuing into adulthood
Adults
-may be less severe, often environmental cause
-pruritis is the hallmark symptom … “the itch that rashes”
Atopic dermatitis complications
Secondary infections
-present as yellowish crusting of eczematous lesions
-bacterial infections are difficult to prevent and can aggravate AD (scratching skin can open it up making it susceptible to infections)
Patients with AD may also develop herpes simplex or Molluscum contagiosum
Any signs of this means they are not eligible for self care
Atopic dermatitis exclusions for self care (5)
- moderate/severe condition with intense pruritis
- involvement of large area of body
- less than 1 year of age
- skin appears to be infected
- involvement of face of intertriginous area (skin folds)
Atopic dermatitis general treatment approach
Counsel patients!
AD can NOT be cured but can be managed
Enhance hydration
-non pharm measures and use of emollients/moisturizers
Relieving itching and inflammation
-hydrocortisone and weeping vesicles with cool compresses
Minimize exposure to triggering factors
Atopic dermatitis bathing tips
Bathing can help hydrate stratum corneum
Bathe for 3-5 minutes every other day in tepid water
Use mild soaps
Pat skin dry and apply moisturizers to seal in water
Atopic dermatitis and dry skin pharmacologic therapy options (5)
- Occlusive agents
-reduce moisture loss by creating a barrier/seal (preventing it from escaping)
e.g. petrolatum - Humectants
-attract water from environment and brings to skin like a magnet
e.g. glycerin, lanolin, urea - Emollients
-add hydration from their formulations to soften and sooth skin
e.g. mineral oil, dimethicone, cetyl palmitate - Keratolytic agents
-soften keratin
e.g. allantoin, lactic and salicylic acid - Antipruritics
-relieve itching
-local anesthetics, local and topical antihistamines
-should be avoided… use moisturizers instead - but oral antihistamines can be used short term if patient is struggling
What is the standard of care topical product for AD/dry skin, how often should they be used?
Emollients
-creams and ointments are preferred over lotions (they lock in moisture better, lotion is thinner and needs to be applied more frequently)
Twice daily use is recommended
E.g. Eucerin (active ingredient is mineral oil)
What is the active ingredient in Aquaphor?
Petrolatum
Bath oil and cleanser considerations for AD and dry skin
Bath oils
-mineral oil
-minimally effective
-should be cautioned with older patients - slippery floors/fall risk
Cleansers
-glycerin soaps (higher oil content less drying)
-Cetaphil or pHisoDerm - if soap is to be avoided
-evidence of benefit over soaps is lacking