Clinical Update: Dermatitis

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin which can occur in several forms: atopic (eczema), seborrheic, nummular, localized neurodermatitis, contact, chronic, exfoliative, and stasis. Although signs and symptoms and contributing factors may differ between the forms, dermatitis usually consists of red, itchy, swollen skin. Scratching can worsen the edema and cause crusting and scaling.

Diagnosis of dermatitis is made based on clinical presentation and distribution of skin lesions. A family history of allergy and chronic inflammation suggests atopic dermatitis. Serum IgE levels may also be elevated. Treatment of dermatitis may consist of:
  • avoidance of triggering factors
  • antihistamines
  • topical corticosteroids
  • moisturizing creams
  • systemic corticosteroids during extreme exacerbations
  • topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus
  • tar preparations
  • ultraviolet B light therapy
  • antibiotics.

This Just In

From Our Journals

*Access to CE articles is through Lippincott's NursingCenter.com. To return to the Skincare Network from NursingCenter, click the Skincare Network link under the Specialty Sites navigation button.

An 8-Year-Old With Tinea Capitis and Secondary Rash
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal
March 2012

Treating Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: Still No Magic Bullet—But a Range of Options, Old and New
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
February 2012

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: A Comprehensive Review and Update
Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing
January/February 2012

Beginning at the Bottom: Evidence-Based Care of Diaper Dermatitis
MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing
January/February 2012

 Seborrheic Dermatitis: A clinical practice snapshot
The Nurse Practitioner: The American Journal of Primary Health Care
August 2011

MASD Part 2: Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and Intertriginous Dermatitis: A Consensus
Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing
July/August 2011

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Critically Ill Adults: Time to Development, Severity, and Risk Factors
Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing
August 2011

Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Children: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
May/June 2011

Atopic Eczema and Evidence-Based Care
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
May/June 2011

Wound Wise: The irritation of eczema
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!
May/June 2011

Practice Points: Venous Dermatitis Checklist
Advances in Skin & Wound Care: The Journal for Prevention and Healing
February 2011

Incontinence and Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis
Advances in Skin & Wound Care: The Journal for Prevention and Healing
March 2011

The ABCs of Skin Care for Wound Care Clinicians: Dermatitis and Eczema
Advances in Skin & Wound Care: The Journal for Prevention and Healing
May 2009

A Practical Management of Atopic Dermatitis-Palliative Care to Contact Dermatitis
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
March/April 2009

CASE STUDY: Does This Young Girl Have Eczema? A Case Study on Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Atopy
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
March/April 2009

WOUND & SKIN CARE: When your patient has atopic dermatitis
Nursing2008
May 2008

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