Chapter 50: Integumentary & Skin Disorders in Children

Integumentary & Skin Disorders in Children educational resource provides an in-depth examination of pediatric integumentary dysfunction, guiding nursing students and professionals through the assessment, pathophysiology, and management of various skin disorders. The discussion begins with bacterial infections, such as impetigo contagiosa, cellulitis, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), emphasizing the importance of hygiene and antibiotic therapy to prevent systemic spread. It explores viral dermatoses, including human papillomavirus (warts) and herpes simplex, alongside fungal dermatophytoses like tinea capitis and candidiasis, outlining the use of antifungal agents like griseofulvin. Significant attention is given to contact dermatitis, specifically the immune response to urushiol in poison ivy, oak, and sumac, as well as severe adverse drug reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The summary details the clinical presentation and therapeutic management of arthropod bites and stings, covering hymenopterans, arachnids (black widow and brown recluse spiders), and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Parasitic infestations are thoroughly analyzed, focusing on the treatment of Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies) and Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice), including essential environmental control measures to prevent recurrence. The content addresses age-specific conditions, such as diaper dermatitis involving pH alterations, seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap), and the chronic inflammatory nature of atopic dermatitis (eczema), which requires rigorous skin hydration and pruritus management. Adolescent skin health is examined through the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris, detailing treatments ranging from topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to systemic isotretinoin for severe cystic cases. Finally, the text provides a critical review of thermal injuries, contrasting cold injuries like frostbite with the complex care required for burns. This includes classifying burn depth from superficial to full-thickness, estimating total body surface area (TBSA), managing inhalation injury and burn shock with fluid resuscitation, and utilizing various wound coverage methods such as allografts, xenografts, and autografts during the acute and rehabilitative phases of recovery.