NUR-507 D4 (Peds)
Module 4 Discussion
Read
McCance Burns, C. E., Dunn, M. A., Brady, A. M., Starr, B. N., Blosser, G. C., & Garzon, L. D. (2017). Pediatric Primary Care. (6th ed). Elsevier.
Chapters 24, 25, and 37
Approaches to Disease Management: Dermatologic Disorder
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After studying Module 4: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss a dermatologic disorder and its treatment modalities.
Submission Instructions:
• Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
• All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.
Grading Rubric
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Your assignment will be graded according to the grading rubric.
Discussion Rubric
Criteria Ratings Points
Identification of Main Issues, Problems, and Concepts Distinguished – 5 points
Identify and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the issues, problems, and concepts. Excellent – 4 points
Identifies and demonstrate an accomplished understanding of most of issues, problems, and concepts. Fair – 2 points
Identifies and demonstrate an acceptable understanding of most of issues, problems, and concepts. Poor – 1 point
Identifies and demonstrate an unacceptable understanding of most of issues, problems, and concepts. 5 points
Use of Citations, Writing Mechanics and APA Formatting Guidelines Distinguished – 3 points
Effectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Exceptional use of citations and extended referencing. High level of APA precision and free of grammar and spelling errors. Excellent – 2 points
Effectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Moderate use of citations and extended referencing. Moderate level of APA precision and free of grammar and spelling errors. Fair – 1 point
Ineffectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Moderate use of citations and extended referencing. APA style and writing mechanics need more precision and attention to detail. Poor – 0 points
Ineffectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. An unacceptable use of citations and extended referencing. APA style and writing mechanics need serious attention. 3 points
One common dermatologic disorder in pediatrics is atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema. AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritic, erythematous, and papulovesicular lesions that often occur on the flexural surfaces of the body, such as the elbows and knees, and may affect the face, neck, and trunk in infants and young children. AD can significantly affect the quality of life of affected individuals and their families, and it is essential to provide appropriate treatment to manage the symptoms and prevent flares.
There are several treatment modalities for AD, and the choice of treatment depends on the severity and extent of the disease. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and pruritus and improve skin hydration and integrity. The following are some of the treatment options for AD:
Topical corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for AD. They work by reducing inflammation and itchiness and promoting skin healing. Topical corticosteroids are classified into seven classes based on their potency, and the choice of the strength depends on the severity and location of the lesion. The use of topical corticosteroids should be based on the severity of the disease, and it should be tapered as the lesion improves.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors: Topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, are second-line agents for AD. They work by inhibiting T-cell activation and cytokine production, thus reducing inflammation. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are particularly useful for treating AD on the face and neck, where the use of topical corticosteroids may be limited due to the risk of skin atrophy.
Emollients: Emollients are moisturizers that help to hydrate the skin and restore the skin barrier function. They are an essential component of AD management, and they should be used regularly to prevent flares. Emollients are available in various forms, including creams, ointments, and lotions, and the choice of the formulation should be based on the patient’s preference and the location of the lesion.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be necessary if the skin is infected with bacteria, which can exacerbate the AD symptoms. Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin, are usually sufficient for mild infections, while systemic antibiotics, such as oral erythromycin or azithromycin, may be necessary for more severe infections.
Antihistamines: Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, may be used to relieve pruritus associated with AD. However, their effectiveness is limited, and they may cause sedation and other adverse effects.
In conclusion, AD is a common dermatologic disorder in pediatrics that requires appropriate treatment to manage the symptoms and prevent flares. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the lesion, and it should be individualized for each patient. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for AD, while topical calcineurin inhibitors, emollients, antibiotics, and antihistamines may be used as adjunctive therapy. It is crucial to involve the patient and their family in the management of AD and provide education on proper skin care and management of flares to improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
