The terms atopic dermatitis and eczema are used interchangeably to refer to noncontagious skin conditions characterized by itchy, red, dry and rough skin since both conditions cause inflammation and irritation (Drucker et al., 2017). Though their use may overlap, eczema is technically different from atopic dermatitis since the latter is a chronic condition that results in inflammation and skin dryness. The disease mostly affects babies and young adults, but can occasionally affect mature people. It is caused by hereditary and environmental factors and mostly impacts such skin surfaces as folds of the arms, face, neck, wrist, and knee backs.
Eczema results from atopic dermatitis, which is manifested by itching with blisters. Occasionally rashes may appear on the wrist, hands, and face. The elevated plaques on the skin and eruption distribution help distinguish a particular type of eczema from another.
With careful educational and environmental history, strategized nursing care can be implemented to prevent atopic dermatitis and eczema flare-ups. The strategies include maintaining average body temperature achieved by drinking enough water, staying in cool places to reduce sweating, and loosening fitting clothes. The patient should be advised to consider phototherapy due to the anti-inflammatory properties of its ultraviolet beta wavelength. Furthermore, showering each day helps clear the skin surface of accumulated bacteria, dust, and sweat. Moreover, moisturizing the skin after using ceramides helps restore the protective barrier and hydration (Dharmage at el., 2014).
Flare-ups prevention has not been effective due to the numerous challenges facing nursing care. One such setback includes patients’ poor compliance with the prescribed therapy resulting from misinformation about their conditions. Other challenges encompass hypersensitivity to treatment regime used, skin infections, and exacerbating environmental factors like humidity and temperature. The core management and prevention strategy are by ensuring proper skincare and frequent moisturization.
References
Dharmage, S. C., Lowe, A. J., Matheson, M. C., Burgess, J. A., Allen, K. J., & Abramson, M. J. (2014). Atopic dermatitis and the atopic march revisited. Allergy, 69(1), 17-27.
Drucker, A. M., Wang, A. R., Li, W. Q., Sevetson, E., Block, J. K., & Qureshi, A. A. (2017). The burden of atopic dermatitis: Summary of a report for the National Eczema Association. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 137(1), 26-30. Web.