Common Body System Disorder: Eczema Writing Assignment (Essay Sample)

Common Body System Disorder: Eczema
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Common Body System Disorder: Eczema
In the humans, the skin is the largest organ that works as the outer covering of the body. Because it is the boundary of the body and the environment, the skin safeguards the body against pathogens, as well as excessive water. It guards the body from heat, light, injury, and infections while it is also as a regulator of the body temperature, stores fats, water, as well as vitamin D (MedlinePlus, 2017). In many cases, children frequent hospitals after suffering damage in their skin. As an advanced practice nurse, it is critical to have understanding of various skin disorders so as to recognize and differentiate them when presented with such cases. This paper will focus on the pathophysiology and epidemiology of eczema and in the process describe its diagnosis, management, follow-up support required, as well as explain the cultural implications among patients diagnosed with this disorder.
Pathophysiology and Epidemiology
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and red/inflamed patches that may exude when starched or become hard and thickened (Thomsen, 2014). In the United States, eczema is the most common chronic skin condition of childhood that affects about 10% to 12% of children. Approximately 75% of children develop eczema symptoms before they turn 1 year and about 90% of children develop symptoms before turning 5 years. Many children outgrow eczema by the age of 4 (Thomsen, 2014). The real cause of eczema is still unclear. However, research shows that children with this condition have elevated levels of IgE, dysregulated IgE, damage of the epithelial-barrier, flaws within the cutaneous immune response, and also genetic elements (Myers & Hershey, 2010). Food allergies and other non-allergic food hypersensitivity is a common cause of eczema in children. For patients of eczema, periods of remission occur or other times exacerbation (worsening of symptoms). According to Myers and Hershey (2010), eczema has three age-related phases: the infantile phase (up to 2 years), the childhood phase (2 to 12 years), and also the adult phase (from puberty onwards). During the infantile phase, patients experience intense itching, dry skin on the cheeks, forehead, and scalp, erythema, oozing when scratched, and papules (Soto-Ramirez, Kar, Zhang & Karmaus, 2017). The childhood phase the condition often affects the region above the elbows, back of the knee, ankles, the neck, and wrists that become hardened and leathery. The adult phase is characterized by raptured skin around the folds, neck, upper arms, face, hands, feet, and back. In most cases the skin is dry, hardened, reddening, with scaly papules, as well as plaque (Soto-Ramirez, Kar, Zhang & Karmaus, 2017).
Diagnosis and Management
Eczema does not have any specific diagnostic tests. Physicians often look at family history and the accompanying clinical signs or symptoms. The major symptoms of eczema are severe itching, recurrent rash, and a family history of developing allergic (skin) conditions (MedlinePlus, 2017). When it is confirmed that one is suffering this condition, the goal of treatment is to minimize the severity of the flare-ups. Mainly the therapy involved requires creating awareness of increasing dryness, inflammation, itchiness, and irritability. The recommendation is to always ensure that the skin is moisturized (Kim, 2017). When educating parents and families of children with eczema, it is essential to advise them to use lukewarm water for bathing, avoid scented soaps, and also make use of moisturizers that “lock in” the moisture. They should also be observant especially in seasons like spring and winter when the air is drier to use humidifiers in order to add moisture in the air. One strategy that is effective in decreasing the symptoms is to use moisturizers immediately after a shower (within 3 minutes), dress the child in cotton and soft fabrics, and air-dry or pat clothes as opposed to rubbing them. Parents should also be keen on identifying the allergic triggers such as pollen, foods, heat or cold, and mold among others and keep them away from the child. It is also advisable to keep fingernails short so that they do not scratch the skin (Kim, 2017).
Eczema is also treated with medications. For example, physicians recommend the use of barrier repair moisturizers in combination with antihistamine. One common antihistamine is cetirizine that is given to children at a dosage of 5 to 10mg one time a day (Drugs.com, 2015). Depending on how severe the flare-up is, the use of topical corticosteroids ointments is important and is often used when other treatments seem ineffective (Drugs.com, 2015). Protopic and Elidel are creams that help alter the way the immune system reacts to flare-ups but it is recommended that they should not be used for a long time. These should be applied twice a day as directed the doctor (Drugs.com, 2015). When eczema subsides, medication should be stopped while daily moisturizers should be used. When it comes to follow-up, the medical professional should understand how the medication is affecting the eczema. The medication should be accessed to ensure that it controls the eczema but it should not be overdone so that it becomes hard to stop using it. Follow-up should also be done to ensure that if the prescription is running out, a refill should be done or another appointment with the doctor is required. It is also important for the medical professional to ensure that consistent use of medication is done so as to avoid flare-ups. Follow-up should also involve checking in the affected areas may be infected so that further medical attention is provided as necessary (Ngan & Lamb, 2014).
Cultural Impact
In regards to culture, people from all races are prone to eczema. This is because it is often a genetic condition within the family especially in families with a history of asthma, periodic allergies, or eczema. In regards to gender, the condition is more prevalent among females than males. The ...