Nursing assessment of the skin and dermatologic lesions.

An accurate assessment of the skin and dermatologic lesions depends on the nurse, who is directly involved with patient care. However, demands of new technology, which supports an increasingly debilitated and aged patient population, makes it more difficult for the nurse to meet high standards of skin maintenance at a time when it should be a priority. Nursing assessment skills need not be extensive but confined to descriptively brief and familiar terms. Basic knowledge of the most common skin lesions allows the nurse to document in accurate and concise terms instead of nondescript generalizations, such as "rash."

What's your assessment?

The "What's Your Assessment?" series includes a short case presentation and differential diagnosis. It is followed by a discussion of the disease or condition and the rationale used in each step of the assessment.

Pediatric dermatoses: three common skin disruptions in infancy.

Skin disruptions account for 20% to 30% of pediatric primary care visits [1]. These disruptions may result from skin infections, inflammatory responses, insect bites, and infestations. This article focuses on the identification and management of skin disruptions related to inflammatory dermatoses. The most common dermatoses in infancy are seborrheic dermatitis, (also known as cradle cap); diaper or primary contact dermatitis; and atopic dermatitis, more commonly referred to as eczema, an entity that has yet to be clearly defined. Recognition and appropriate treatment of these common pediatric dermatoses must not just focus on the skin disruptions; it is important that the infant be assessed within the context of the family. The primary care provider must be aware that these conditions have the potential to affect the developing relationship between the infant, parent(s), and family. The practitioner within the provider-family relationship, through education and support, can empower the parent(s) to provide the necessary care for their infant.

Seborrheic dermatitis: a clinical practice snapshot.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring skin disorder that has no cure.Current clinical research has implicated Malassezia yeast in the etiology. Using a clear, concise clinical picture and a thorough patient history, even the novice NP can formulate an effective treatment plan.