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The article discusses the psychosocial aspects of dermatological care in the community that nurses and patients should be aware of. Other topics include the psychological effects of skin diseases like itching or pruritis, erythema, and scaling to a person's sexuality, body image and self-esteem, and the use of emollients as effective skin barrier mechanisms to prevent skin diseases.

Age-related changes lead to an increase in skin problems, and around 70% of older people have a treatable skin condition. However, ageing and poor physical health can make it difficult for older people to care for their skin. Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, where the skin becomes red, inflamed, itchy and scaly, can develop easily in older adults. This can, in turn, become infected and cause discomfort and health problems. This article explains how ageing affects the skin, how eczema can develop and how it can be treated, also touching upon the different types of eczema. It aims to equip community nurses with knowledge about this common condition and how to recognise and manage it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of the main types of eczema that are common in older patients. Topics covered include the significance of a holistic assessment and the use of emollient therapy, percentage of older people living in Great Britain who have a skin condition, and the impact of eczema on a person's quality of life.

The article provides an update regarding atopic eczema research as of 2018, and it mentions the Global Resource of EczemA Trials (GREAT) database, the Softened Water for Eczema Prevention Pilot Trial, and an Eczema Priority Setting Partnership. The treatment of eczema is examined, along with research studies such as the Bath Additives for the Treatment of Childhood Eczema trial, Choice of Moisturiser in Eczema Treatment project, and ChildRen with the Eczema Antibiotic Management study.

Atopic eczema is a common childhood condition. This article gives guidance on patient assessment; developing a patient-centred plan of care; the topical products most effective for managing the condition; how optimal adherence to the treatment may be achieved; and when referral to services in secondary care is appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic eczema (AE) is a common condition in children and tends to improve with age; however, 2–10% of patients will continue to be affected as adults. When managing the adult patient with eczema it is essential that an assessment of the signs and symptoms, as well as the effect the condition is having on quality of life, is carried out. This article focuses on the presentation of AE, complications that may be experienced by patients with AE, management of the condition and when to refer to a specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic eczema is a common skin condition affecting approximately 20% of school-age children. The management of complex atopic eczema can be challenging. This paper aims to provide guidance on the management of complex cases and when to refer children for specialist advice. Emollients should form the basis of management and be used even when eczema is clear. When children experience a flare of their eczema, topical treatments should be stepped up accordingly. With clear guidance relating to management and referral, it is important when caring for these children that the health practitioner has a depth of knowledge and expertise to provide a comprehensive plan of care, is able to answer the many questions children and their parents may have, and intervene and refer appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses can support older people with eczema by understanding the condition and treatment principles, including the use of emollients to prevent acute flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breakdown of the skin barrier is the first event in the development of atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis). Research over the past five years has indicated that this arises as a result of the interaction of environmental agents such as soap and other detergents with the products of changes in several genes. These genetic changes predispose to the breakdown of the skin barrier, which allows the penetration of allergens, triggering a flare of atopic eczema. This new understanding of how breakdown of the skin barrier is the first event in the development of atopic eczema provides a rationale for a renaissance in the use of a complete emollient therapy regimen in atopic eczema and related skin barrier breakdown diseases, such as asteatotic eczema and irritant contact dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]