Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing I (Theory)

Overview

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an irritating skin disease. It's a persistent (chronic) illness that could coexist with allergies or asthma. Its symptoms include reddish to brownish-gray spots, extreme itching, especially at night, raw, sensitive skin from scratching, etc. There is no specific test to identify atopic dermatitis (eczema). Instead, a skin examination and a review of your medical history are usually used to make the diagnosis. It is treated with corticosteroids, antibiotics, oral antihistamines, etc. Its complications include impetigo and cellulitis.

Definition

Eczema is an itchy skin condition caused by atopic dermatitis. It's a persistent (chronic) illness that could coexist with allergies or asthma. Although eczema can affect any part of your skin, it most frequently affects your arms and the area behind your knees. Periodically, it tends to flare up and then go away. Atopic dermatitis has no recognized origin, however it may be brought on by a combination of hereditary propensities for sensitive skin and immune system problems.

Causes and Classification

  • Contact dermatitis
    It is a rash that develops as a result of either ongoing contact with allergens or contact with irritants. Common irritants include:
    • Washing soap
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Skin care goods.
  • Neurodermatitis
    This kind of dermatitis commonly appears after something causes an itch in a particular area of the skin. Potential reasons include:
    • Dry skin
    • Chronic irritation
    • Psoriasis

Symptoms

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms and signs include:

  • Patchy red to brownish-gray coloration
  • Raw, potentially severe itching, especially at night
  • Miniature, raised bumps that, if scratched, may ooze fluid and crust over.
  • Skin that is thick, cracked, or scaly
  • Sensitive, raw skin from rubbing

Tests and Diagnosis

There is no specific test to identify atopic dermatitis. Instead, a skin examination and a review of your medical history are usually used to make the diagnosis.

Treatments and Drugs

Eczema medications work to soothe itching, lessen inflammation, and stop flare-ups from happening again. Self-care techniques and over-the-counter (nonprescription) anti-itch creams may help manage mild atopic dermatitis.

  • Cremes or ointments containing corticosteroids. To reduce scaling and stop itching, your doctor may suggest prescription corticosteroid lotions or ointments.
  • Antibiotics. If you have a bacterial skin infection, an open sore or fissure brought on by scratching, you might need antibiotics.
  • Oral allergy medications. Oral antihistamines may be helpful if itching is extremely bad.
  • Corticosteroid injections or oral dosages. Your doctor might advise oral corticosteroids like prednisone or corticosteroid injections intramuscularly for more severe cases in order to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.

Complications

  • Impetigo,
  • Cellulitis.

References

  • A Textbook of Adult Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Mandal, G. (August 2013).  Dilllibazar kathmandu: Makalu publication house. Retrieved August 2013
  • aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/neurodermatitis
  • doctor.ndtv.com › Topics
  • doctorshangout.com/photo/common-adult-skin-problems/next?context=latest
  • medigoo.com/articles/atopic-dermatitis/
  • medgyan.com/index.php?option=symptoms&deId=244
  •  mynutrihub.co.za/common-health-conditions/Eczema
  • patrickbitterjrmd.com/tag/eczema/skinsensibility.com/eczema/
Things to remember
  • Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an itchy skin inflammation.
  • Although eczema can affect any part of your skin, it most frequently affects your arms and the area behind your knees.
  • Small, raised bumps that, if scratched, could ooze fluid and crust over
  • There is no specific test to identify atopic dermatitis (eczema).
  • Cellulitis, impetigo, and complications.
Questions and Answers

Definition

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an itchy skin inflammation. It's a persistent (chronic) condition that could coexist with allergies or asthma.

 

Causes and classification

  • Contact Dermatitis

It is a rash that results from either repeated contact with irritants or contact with an allergic-producing substance.

Common irritants include :

  • Laundry soap
  • Skin soap and detergent
  • Cleaning products.

Neurodermatitis

This type of dermatitis typically develops when something has created an itchy sensation in a specific area of the skin.

Possible causes include :

  • Dry skin.
  • Chronic irritation.
  • Psoriasis.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema) include:

  • Red to brownish-gray colored patches.
  • Itching, which may be severe, especially at night.
  • Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched.
  • Thickened, cracked or scaly skin.
  • Raw, sensitive skin from scratching.

 

Treatments and Drugs

Treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema) aim to reduce inflammation, relieve itching and prevent future flare-ups. Over-the-counter (nonprescription) anti-itch creams and other self-care measures may help control mild atopic dermatitis.

  • Corticosteroid Creams or Ointments: Your doctor may recommend prescription corticosteroid creams or ointments to ease scaling and relieve itching.
  • Antibiotics: You may need antibiotics if you have a bacterial skin infection or an open sore or fissure caused by scratching.
  • Oral Antihistamines: If itching is severe, oral antihistamines may help.
  • Oral or Injected Corticosteroids: For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, or an intramuscular injection of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and to control symptoms.

 

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