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# Nursing Care of the Child ## Altered Defenses ### Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is a localized response to contact with an allergen, resulting in a rash that may blister and itch. Common allergens include poison oak, poison ivy, latex, benzocaine, nickel, and preservatives, but there is...

# Nursing Care of the Child ## Altered Defenses ### Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is a localized response to contact with an allergen, resulting in a rash that may blister and itch. Common allergens include poison oak, poison ivy, latex, benzocaine, nickel, and preservatives, but there is a wide range of items, preparations, and products to which children may react. Treatment includes: * Identifying the causative agent through evaluating the area of the body affected, careful history, or skin patch testing to determine allergic responses * Corticosteroids to control inflammation and itching * Soothing oatmeal baths * Caladryl® lotion to relieve itching * Antihistamines to reduce allergic response * Gentle cleansing of lesions and observation for signs of secondary infection * Antibiotics only for secondary infections as indicated * Rash usually left open to dry * Avoidance of allergen to prevent recurrence ### Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory superficial skin disorder that affects about 10% of children with 75% developing it by 6 months and about 90% by age 5. Atopic dermatitis is related to allergies and is associated with xerosis, which is dry skin with impaired barrier function. Forms of atopic dermatitis are: * **Infantile (