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Patient Dermatology Essay

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DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES • Primary diagnostic tools ○ Diagnosis is based mainly on history, morphology and distribution of skin lesions and associated clinical signs 1 ○ Serum IgE levels and other tests may be helpful to rule out other conditions or detect associated conditions, but are not standard diagnostic tests 1 ○ Disease severity measurement scales and quality of life measurement scales are not recommended for routine clinical practice 1 ○ Clinicians should ask questions about itch, sleep, impact on daily activities and persistence of disease; quality of life scales may be used in some cases, when practical 1 – Most commonly used quality of life scales 1 □ The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index □ The Dermatitis Family …show more content…

○ Day hospitalization at centers specializing in skin disorders may be recommended for patients with persistent lesions that are not controlled by medication and by avoiding irritants - for testing, treatment response assessment and education ○ Eczema herpeticum often requires admission with IV anti-virals and skin care • Recommendations for specialist referral ○ Dermatologist in cases of uncertain diagnosis or severe symptoms/chronic lesions ○ Allergist when the patient needs testing for food allergies and other allergens ○ Nutritionist if the patient has associated food allergies and needs dietary plans or food-challenge testing ○ Psychosocial staff can help address sleep disturbance and behavioral aspects of the disease TREATMENT OPTIONS • Nonpharmacologic interventions such as moisturizers, emollients, diluted bleach baths and wet wraps can help alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation and prevent relapse - promotion of barrier restoration is key 5 • Pharmacologic topical agents are conventionally used as monotherapy or combined therapy to reduce severity, prevent infection and prevent new eruptions 5 • Systemic immunomodulating agents may be added for patients who do not respond to topical regimens and anti- inflammatory therapies …show more content…

□ Occlusive agents - delay evaporation of water □ Petrolatum □ Dimethicone □ Mineral oil □ Humectants - attract and hold water □ Glycerol □ Lactic acid □ Urea □ Liberal and frequent application is recommended □ Avoid moisturizers with preservatives and fragrances, which may cause stinging when applied to inflamed skin – Prescription emollient devices - a newer class of topical agents that target specific defects in skin barrier function 5 □ Recommended for daily use (two-to-three times per day) □ Choice of emollient depends on individual preference (safe, effective, free of additives, cost effective) – Bathing, followed by immediate moisturizer application, should be part of the treatment and maintenance 5 □ Up to 10 minutes/day, with warm water □ Use only non-soap cleansers that are neutral to low pH, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free □ For very inflamed skin, recommend soaking in plain water for 20 minutes, followed by immediate application of anti- inflammatory therapies without toweling dry □ Adding a small amount of bleach can help lessen symptoms of chronic atopic dermatitis; if bleach is properly diluted, the practice is safe for children and adults (head should not be

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