Eczema
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Integumentary / Burns / WoundsPediatricsAutoimmune / Geneticmedium priorityneeds review
Eczema
Also testable as: Atopic dermatitis
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Skin barrier dysfunction with genetic, allergy, immune, and environmental triggers.
- Impaired barrier and inflammation cause dry, itchy, inflamed skin with flare-remission pattern.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Topical steroids may be ordered for inflammatory flares. |
Nursing actions
- Assess itch, sleep disruption, infection signs, triggers, and skin integrity.
- Teach moisturizers, gentle cleansers, trigger avoidance, and correct topical medication use.
- Discourage scratching and monitor for honey-colored crusting or spreading redness.
Complications
- Skin infection
- Sleep disruption
- Lichenification
- Poor adherence from steroid fear
NCLEX cues
- Dry itchy flexural rash.
- Moisturize after bathing.
- Infection changes priority.
Memory hooks
- Eczema is itchy barrier breakdown.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Clinical exam
- Allergy evaluation if ordered
- Culture if infected
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.