What are Eczema and Psoriasis?

What are Eczema and Psoriasis?

Eczema 

Definition 

It is a highly pruritive chronic inflammatory skin disorder. It is a type of itching dermatitis which is characterized by
• Chronic pruritus
• Intracellular edema
• Intercellular edema.

Etiology 

Contact with allergens
Example
• Acid
• Alkali
• Penicillin/Streptomycin
• Lipstick
• Nail varnish
• Hair
• Flowers pollen.

Other Causes

• Hereditary
• Food allergies
Example, Peanut, egg, milk, wheat, tree nuts.


Signs/Symptoms 

• Erythema
• Intense itching
• Vesicles or papules formation
• Weeping skin
• Crusting.


Medical Management 

• Topical corticosteroids therapy
Example, Triamcinolone, betamethasone
• Other drugs, Steroids
Example, betamethasone, prednisolone
• Antibiotics, Example, Ciprofloxacin
• Antihistamines Example, Levocitrizine.


Nursing Diagnosis 

1. Impaired skin integrity related to scratching

Nursing Intervention

• Topical application of open wet dressings.
• Prevent dry skin subacute and chronic stages.
• Avoid hot water and harsh soaps.
• Apply Example, Lubriderm
Within 3 min of bathing when skin is still slightly moist.

2. Knowledge deficient related to disease process.

3. Risk for infection related to bacterial colonisation of skin.


Psoriasis 

Definition 

A chronic skin disease in which scaly pink patches form on the elbows, knees, scalp and other parts of the body is known as Psoriasis.


Causes 

• Unknown


Clinical Features 

• Erythematous, dry, scaly patches.
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Commonly occurs on scalp, elbow, knees, and sacral region.


Medical Management 

• In mild cases, give topical therapy and sunlight.
• Also give corticosteroids, example, Triamcinolone, acetonide.
• Dithranol ointment also provide.