Chapter 30: Skin Conditions in Pediatric Nursing

Skin Conditions in Pediatric Nursing categorizes various skin conditions ranging from congenital lesions like strawberry nevi, port-wine stains, and mongolian spots to systemic manifestations such as café-au-lait macules associated with neurofibromatosis. The text details the pathophysiology and nursing management of common infant issues including miliaria (prickly heat), intertrigo, and seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap), alongside a thorough analysis of diaper dermatitis complicated by Candida albicans. Adolescent skin health is addressed through a discussion on acne vulgaris, exploring the role of hormonal fluctuations and sebum production in the formation of comedones, papules, and pustules, with treatment protocols involving retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and isotretinoin. The chapter further classifies infectious skin diseases into bacterial forms like staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and impetigo, viral infections such as herpes simplex type I, and fungal conditions generally termed tinea, which affect the scalp, body, feet, and groin. Parasitic infestations are extensively covered, specifically pediculosis capitis (head lice) and scabies, emphasizing the need to treat the environment and close contacts to prevent reinfestation. A significant portion of the text focuses on chronic atopic dermatitis (eczema), explaining its link to the allergic triad of asthma and hay fever, the role of immunoglobulin E, and management strategies centred on hydration, emollients, and inflammation control. Finally, the chapter outlines the critical care required for traumatic injuries, particularly burns. It differentiates between thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiation burns, explains the calculation of total body surface area using age-appropriate charts or the rule of palm, and details the systemic responses to severe burns, including hypovolemia and Curling ulcers. Treatment modalities for burns are summarized, covering fluid resuscitation, debridement, and various skin grafting techniques such as autografts and xenografts, concluding with prevention and care for environmental injuries like severe sunburn and frostbite.