ABSTRACT
Chapter overview 312 Skin structure 313 Skin function 314 Describing skin conditions 314 Skin integrity 315 Maintaining skin integrity 317
Topical steroid use in eczema 320 Topical immune modulations 320 Occlusive dressings 321 Infected eczema 322 References 323 Useful websites 323
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to: 1 Have an understanding of the normal structure of
healthy skin 2 Be able to identify the skin’s functions 3 Be able to correctly describe the condition of skin 4 Understand the importance of skin integrity and
identify different methods and treatments that enable integrity to be maintained
5 Have a broad understanding of eczema 6 Understand how and when to apply topical
treatment and occlusive dressings for children suffering from eczema
7 Understand the need for clear and detailed education of corers to optimise skin care
8 Understanding of some other common skin infections
senso-organ able to detect temperature, touch and vibration, and it is a visible sign for social communication. When any of these functions fails there can be serious consequences for the individual.1,2
The condition of the skin is affected by both disease and the external environment and is one of the most important windows into a person’s health and wellbeing. Many people with a skin disease that won’t cause seriously harm, can have their lives ruined by rejection from others because of their changed appearance. The effects of damaged or abnormal looking skin can be as devastating to a child as to an adult. Knowledge of normal skin function and the maintenance of healthy skin are a good basis for understanding skin conditions and complaints and how different treatments can aid healing and improve skin integrity.
