Integumentary Stressors

Increased Risks Caused by Pediatric Differences in the Skin Skin is thinner, more susceptible to irritants and infection Ratio of skin surface area to body volume is greater, allowing greater absorption More susceptible to bacterial invasion Less ability to regulate temperature Check main table: is it really Pediatric Differences in or Pediatric Characteristics of

Common Pediatric Skin Diseases/Disorders Impetigo Cellulitis Candidiasis Pediculosis Scabies Dermatitis Tinea

Impetigo Most common bacterial skin infection of childhood Highly contagious S. aureus Incubation 7-10 days Lesions resolve in 12-14 days with treatment

Clinical Manifestations Lesions appear around mouth and nose Small vesicles initially filled with serous fluid then become pustular Vesicles (bullae) rupture rapidly Honey-colored fluid from lesions becomes crusted mildly pruritic

Nursing Care for a Child with Impetigo The child can spread impetigo merely by touching another part of the skin after scratching infected areas Wash the child’s hands frequently with antibacterial soap Maintain good hand washing Distract child from touching lesions Deleted periods Bullet 2: 2 curly apostrophes

Nursing Management of Lesions Gently wash lesions 3 times a day with warm, soapy washcloth, crusts carefully removed Apply topical antibiotic(Bactroban or Bacitracin) Oral antibiotics effective against staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms Severe infections treated with IV antibiotics

Parental Education Good hand washing to prevent spread Cut child’s nails short, wash hands often with anti-bacterial soap Do not share towels, utensils with infected child Out of school or daycare for 24h once antibiotics started Finish full course of antibiotics

May also present in diaper area Candidiasis (thrush) Superficial fungal infection (Candida albicans) of the oral mucous membranes May also present in diaper area

Etiology Neonate can be acquired during delivery if mother has infection Older infant Immunosupression during antibiotic therapy, exposure to mother’s infected breasts unclean bottles and pacifiers

Oral Thrush White, curd-like plaques on tongue, gums, buccal mucosa (not easily removed)

Diaper Dermatitis Diaper area lesions are bright red Sharp Border Satellite lesions

Management Nystatin oral suspension applied to mucous membranes Diaper area treated with topical Nystatin cream

Parental Education Good hand washing Thoroughly wash pacifier, bottles Apply oral Nystatin after feeding to promote increased absorption Breasts should be treated with Nystatin cream if breast feeding Watch for spread to GI tract: fever, refusal to eat

Pediculosis Capitis Head lice Lice can live on a human host for 48 hours Nits (eggs) capable of hatching for 10 days Transmitted by direct contact with infected persons or indirect contact with contaminated objects

Clinical Manifestations Nits are visible on hair shafts close to scalp usually behind ears and at nape of neck, difficult to remove Intense pruritis

Management involves three goals Kill the active lice Kwell, Nix, Rid Kwell is neurotoxic Use over the counter pyrethrins (RID) safe and effective Must treat hair again 1 to 2 weeks after initial treatment Over the counter pediculicide (NIX) kills head lice and eggs with 1 treatment, has residual activity for 10 days

Management involves three goals Remove nits Inspect child’s hair with fine-toothed comb Comb nits out when hair is wet (apply ½ vinegar ½ water mixture prior to combing) Prevent spread or recurrence Treat environmental objects Examine and treat family members Vacuum carpets Check child for reinfestation 7 to 10 days after treatment Wash all bedding, hats in hot water and high dryer setting Notify school if reoccurs

Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) Chronic superficial inflammatory skin disorder Affects children usually by age 5 yrs Children usually also have allergies 75% will develop asthma

Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) Infant: erythematous areas of oozing and crusting on cheeks, forehead, scalp, flexor surfaces of arms and legs Papulovesicular rash and scaly red plaques become excoriated

Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) Childhood: skin appears scaly with dry skin Can be exacerbated by sweating, contact with irritating fabrics, emotional upset

Management Control pruritis Bathe with lukewarm water, mild, non-perfumed soap Applying moisturizer while skin is wet Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids creams for inflamed areas Topical immunosuppresants may be used for longer periods of time than topical steroids Identification and avoidance of allergenic foods

Parental Education Skin hydration Support of uncomfortable, irritable child Mild detergents and soap Don’t bundle child Avoid sun exposure Humidifier during winter months Turn undergarments inside out Fingernails clean and short

Common Types of Tinea Infection Tinea capitis (scalp) Tinea cruris (groin, buttocks, and scrotum) Tinea corporis (trunk, face, extremities) Tinea pedis (feet) Rebreak head and center: Five Common Types of Tinea infection

Tinea Capitis Erythema papular rash of scalp Patches of alopecia Treated with topical and oral antifungals

Tinea Corporis Single circular 1” scaly plaques Erythema to pale pink/white Topical antifungals, continue to treat one week after rash gone

Tinea Cruis Warm moist environment promotes fungal growth Common in adolescent male Topical antifungal Loose clothing

Tinea Pedis Sweaty feet promotes growth Barefoot in common wet areas (pools,lockeroom) Topical antifungal Fresh socks, toss old shoes

Cellulitis Bacterial infection of skin Infected area will be edetamous, erythematous, very tender, warm-hot May have discharge Usually associated with elevated WBC Can progress into bacterima Aggressive antibiotics

Scabies Mite infection-burrow under skin Female mite burrows under skin and lays egg hatch in 3-5 days and cause severe intense itching Secondary infections (impetigo, cellulitis) common

Clinical Manifestations Intense, severe pruritis esp. at night Papular-vesicluar rash mainly in wrists, fingers, elbows, axilla and groin May see a faint burrow pattern

Management Elimite Kwell can be used over 2 years of age but not preferred Family members even if asymptomatic and day time contacts should be treated Wash all bedding, clothing in hot water similar to that for pediculosis

Case Study

You are a school nurse. A 7-year-old boy has what looks like impetigo on his right forearm. You call the mother at work at 10:00 am and ask her to come immediately to pick up her son and seek medical attention.

What did you see that made you suspect impetigo?

Why should the child not be sent home on the bus with a note for the mother?

How will the mother be expected to care for her son at home?

What are the primary goals in treating impetigo?

When do you expect the child to return to school?

The MD has recommended frequent baths for hydration for a child with eczema. Following each bath, the nurse should: Apply a light coating of emollient to the child’s skin while still wet Dry the skin thoroughly and apply baby powder Dry the skin thoroughly and leave it exposed to air Apply a dilute solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide mixed with 9 parts normal saline

Which procedure, performed by patients of an infant with eczema would lead the nurse to realize that additional health teaching is necessary? Frequent colloid baths Topical steroid to affected areas Avoidance of wool clothing Application of alcohol to crusted area

A preschooler has head lice and must have her head shampooed with a pediculicide that must remain on the scalp and hair for several minutes. How could the nurse best gain this child’s cooperation during the necessary treatment? Offer the child a reward for good behavior Inform the child that her parents will be notified if she fails to cooperate Allow the child to apply the shampoos Make a game of the treatment “Beauty Parlor”

The nurse is providing home care instructions for a family with a toddler diagnosed with lice, the nurse includes which of the following instructions in the teaching plan? (select all that apply) Immerse combs and brushes in boiling water for 30-minutes Vacuum floor and furniture Have mother use a bright light and magnifying glass to examine the child’s head Launder the child’s bedding and clothing in hot water with detergent and dry in a hot dryer for 20 minutes Teach children to not share combs, brushes and hats

Permethrin 5% (Elimite) is prescribed for a 10-year-old child diagnosed with scabies. What instructions should the nurse provide for the mother? Apply the lotion liberally from neck to toe Wrap the child in a clean sheet after treatment Leave the lotion on for 10 minutes then rinse Apply the lotion only to the child’s scalp