Page 90 - LECTURE NOTES
P. 90
¾ Application of non-sticky dressing or cotton gloves when hands & feet are
involved
¾ For wider areas: - systemic corticosteroid and lotion
¾ frequent application of calamine lotion
¾ Systemic antihistamine.
¾ Rest
¾ Control secondary infection with systemic antibiotics.
B. For sub acute eczema
- Steroid
- Antibiotic creams like neomycin
- Antibiotic will be given if it is infected
C. For chronic eczema
- Steroids in ointment base with keratolytic such as salicylic acid
- Systemic antibiotics for bacterial super infection
- Sedative antihistamines, eg. Trimeprazine or hydrolyzine may be
prescribed for severe itching
Nursing management
¾ It is important to distinguish between exogenous and endogenous eczema
¾ Identification and removal of source of irritation/offending material
¾ Explain, reassure and encourage patient
¾ Apply occlusive bandaging to interrupt scratch /itch cycle
¾ Teach patient – to keep his finger nails short
- to avoid scratching
- reduce anxiety/stress
¾ Inspect the affected area for infection
¾ Prevent drying of the skin by using emollients (oil) like Vaseline and liquid
paraffin
¾ Rest, nutritious food
¾ Compliance to prescribed medication
¾ Apply wet dressing
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