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:
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avoidance of triggering factors
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antihistamines
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topical corticosteroids
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moisturizing creams
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systemic corticosteroids during extreme exacerbations
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topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus
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tar preparations
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ultraviolet B light therapy
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antibiotics.
This Just In
From Our Journals
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Improving Treatment Adherence in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis
Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association
December 2012
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hand Dermatitis
Advances in Skin & Wound Care: The Journal for Prevention and Healing
August 2012
Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Consensus Statements, Evidence-Based Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment, and Current Challenges Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing
June 2012
Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in a Long-term Acute Care Facility
Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing
June 2012
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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