Atopic dermatitis affects both children and adults, and often presents in early life as itchy, dry skin primarily located on the face, trunk and limbs. There is usually a history of family or personal atopic disease and an increased blood level of the allergic antibody immunoglobulinE. The mainstays of treatment are emollients and corticosteroid ointments and/or creams. Other therapies include immunomodulators and management of any associated infections. Caring for a patient with atopic dermatitis requires skilled assessment, effective education and the ability to involve and support patients and carers in the management of this condition.
Nursing Standard. 28, 49, 45-51. doi: 10.7748/ns.28.49.45.e8956
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Received: 07 March 2014
Accepted: 12 May 2014
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