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From dry skin in the newborn to atopic eczema in the infant and child, health professionals in primary care play a crucial role in supporting families in the care of skin, and the treatment and management of skin conditions in children. The evidence base can be conflicting and guidance changes frequently. With so much information to share with new parents, baby skincare is often seen as a lower priority when imparting health promotion advice than other areas such as safe sleep or infant feeding. It has been argued that, with the rising prevalence of atopic eczema in the UK population, advice to parents about what to be concerned about and when to seek medical advice is imperative. This article explores the evidence on general skincare from the newborn period to the treatment and management of common skin conditions, including atopic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, to prevent the transmission of the virus, the use of personal protection products and equipment were recommended by international and national organisations. The need to use it more frequently and for a long time can damage the skin of health professionals. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with skin lesions in health professionals resulting from the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Method: This was a cross-sectional exploratory study through an online questionnaire. The first part of the questionnaire collected socio-labour characterisation data and the second part related to exposure factors. The variables were analysed according to the prevalence and the odds ratio (OR), within a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of the 398 participants who met the inclusion criteria, 65.3% were self-diagnosed with skin lesions: 37.3% with pressure injury, 25.8% with contact/allergic dermatitis and 2.7% with acne. Regarding the use of PPE, of the 240 professionals who reported using an N95 mask, 80.4% developed injuries, 70.4% of which related to a work regime of >6 hours per day (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.79–2.42). Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant prevalence of skin lesions in health professionals. Among exposure factors, the N95 mask and goggles stand out. Longer or more frequent exposure time to personal protective products and equipment proved to be important factors to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis affects 15–20% of children in the UK and these figures appear to be rising (Hoare et al, 2000; Fennessy et al, 2000; Ruzicka et al, 2013; Williams et al, 1994). This condition affects so many school-aged children, negatively impacting the quality of life for both the children and their families (Hoare et al, 2000). Not only is it a disease causing dry skin but it can also lead to skin damage and infection, pain, insomnia and the social stigma of a skin disease (Hoare et al, 2000). Although treatment and guidelines seem to have remained unchanged since the NICE 2017 guidelines, there is a real emphasis on accurate physical and mental assessment of the child with atopic eczema (NICE, 2018). The role of school nurses is important as they can empower children to take control of their condition, reduce flare-ups and cope with the physical and psychological impacts of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [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.

Parental concern over infant dry skin is a common challenge that midwives and other maternity professionals frequently address in the early postnatal period. Although infant dry skin is a normal process of adaptation to extra-uterine life, parents often wish to treat it, and there is uncertainty among health professionals about what is safe and best practice. For decades, health professionals have recommended the use of topical natural oils to prevent or treat infant dry skin, but more recently, there has been increasing concern that use of these oils on the skin may be a contributory factor in the rising prevalence of childhood atopic eczema. This article will consider how infant skin may be affected by topical products, the role of the health professional giving infant skin care advice and current evidence to support clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic eczema (AE) is one of the most common dermatological diseases, with the number of cases in the UK rising. The use of emollients to maintain skin hydration and restore barrier function remains the principal treatment, in conjunction with topical corticosteroids (TCS) to reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, many health professionals, and patients themselves, fail to consider emollients as an active treatment and may overlook the vital role they play in the maintenance of intact, healthy skin. Despite the overwhelming acceptance of the importance of emollient therapy, there remains a lack of good quality evidence on their effectiveness or whether one is better than another. Patients often receive conflicting or limited advice from health professionals as to how to use them, and if using TCS as well, which to apply first. This may result in incorrect use, reduced therapeutic effect and poor concordance. This article aims to explore normal skin barrier function, the disruption caused by AE, and some of the contemporary issues surrounding emollient therapy and topical corticosteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otitis externa is one of the most common problems presented to veterinary surgeons in primary care practice. Although atopic dermatitis is the most common underlying cause of canine otitis externa, both cutaneous adverse food reactions and contact allergy can also affect the ear canal. Investigation and therapy of acute otitis is essential to prevent the problem progressing to chronic disease, which can be more difficult to manage and in severe cases can require surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

There are many different treatment options for atopic dermatitis in the dog and cat. Unfortunately, many of the recommendations for therapy are based on anecdotal reports rather than on evidence-based decisions. This review considers the different treatment modalities that may be considered, together with the supporting scientific data for each of them. Therapies that are discussed include antihistamines, glucocorticoids, ciclosporine, Janus kinase inhibitors and allergen-specific immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pruritus (itching) is a common problem in children and may stem from a number of causes, such as eczema, urticaria, insect bites, infections or occasionally from more serious generalized disease. Prescribing nurses should be able to recognize common conditions that children may present with and recommend treatment and management options to parents. This article discusses signs and symptoms that help in diagnosis, and the appropriate management and treatment of these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic eczema (AE), also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory, itchy skin condition that usually develops in early childhood. There has been a steep rise in the burden of atopic eczema, with up to 20% of children in developed countries now suffering from the disease (Flohr and Mann, 2014). Although atopic eczema is not always recognised as a serious medical condition by health professionals, it can have a significant negative impact on quality of life for children and their parents or carers (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2013). The application of eczema treatments often results in conflict between parents and their children, which affects family relationships further and drains the carers’ physical and emotional resources (Santer et al, 2013). It is typically an episodic disease of exacerbation with flares occurring two or three times per month, with periods of remission. For some children, however, it is continuous (NICE, 2013). Although a common condition, there are uncertainties regarding treatments used both for health professionals and for patients and their carers. A recent priority setting partnership highlighted the top 14 uncertainties (Box 1), which will provide guidance for future research and answer questions that are important to both clinicians and patients (Batchelor et al, 2013). This article cannot cover all aspects of AE, but will give an update on some of the current research projects and signpost the reader to further resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on atopic dermatitis, focusing on how the skin abnormality was once thought only to affect children on a temporary basis but now is found in 20 percent of the population. Causes, risk factors, and symptoms are covered with particular attention given to the role of the immune system and sex hormones.

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 in children, which can have a significant impact on the lives of the children as well as their families. Patients and families see a variety of health professionals during the course of their eczema journey. It is important when caring for these children that the health professional has a depth of knowledge and the expertise to provide a comprehensive plan of care and is able to answer the many questions children and their parents have (Lawton, 2014). This article will focus on the evidence to support the role of nurse prescribers, what impact eczema care can have on families, issues which may affect adherence, and strategies to support practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 20-month-old, neutered female Labrador was presented for dermatology referral with a history suggestive of a cutaneous hypersensitivity disorder. Following a series of investigative tests, she was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis but despite therapy with antihistamines, immunotherapy, cyclosporine and glucocorticoids, the dog continued to be pruritic and ultimately started to show signs of iatrogenic hyperglucocorticoidism. The recent launch of the antipruritic drug oclacitinib may provide a further alternative option for maintenance treatment in such a case, and the dog's early response to this novel therapy is discussed. [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]

Olive oil is commonly recommended by health professionals to new parents for use in the prevention and treatment of the term baby's dry skin, and for baby massage. There is no evidence to support this practice. The use of olive oil may be harmful to skin, affecting skin barrier function. This effect may be a contributory factor in the prevalence of childhood conditions such as atopic eczema. This paper discusses a national online audit of UK maternity hospitals (n = 67) and neonatal units (n = 33) performed between November 2010 and January 2011. Our findings confirm that oil use on babies' skin is common practice. As the direct cost to the NHS for treatment of atopic eczema is high, it is imperative that further research in this area is performed, preferably in the form of a randomized controlled trial. Health professionals will then be in a position to provide accurate information to parents with regard to oil in baby skin care regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Pododermatitis is common in dogs and has numerous and diverse causes. The clinical presentation, approach to diagnosis and management of the more common and important causes of canine pododermatitis are considered in this article. The more common causes dealt with are atopic dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reactions and trombiculidiasis. Although occurring less frequently, important conditions such as demodicosis, deep interdigital pyoderma, pemphigus foliaceus, symmetrical (lupoid) onychodystrophy and superficial necrolytic dermatitis are also covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of emollients, are lipids that occlude the skin surface and prevent water loss from the stratum corneum, in reducing the skin inflammation and dryness of skin during the onset of atopic eczema, a chronic skin condition. Emollients including ointments, creams and lotions are noted to contain active ingredients that provides therapeutic effect and excipients that allows the ingredients to exert its effect.

Managing atopic eczema and other dry and itchy skin conditions is a skill required in all nursing specialties. Nurses need to assess and address their patients' skin-care needs. Atopic eczema and all dry and itchy skin conditions require emollient therapy to restore the skin barrier. Nurses are ideally placed to educate patients in the importance of emollient therapy and provide practical information on the individual selection of bath additives, soap substitutes and moisturizers, as well as education on application and self-management. Nurse prescribers will benefit from understanding specific individual patient needs and individual emollient properties to enable them to make informed prescribing decisions and foster patient choice in selecting the best emollient therapy for the individual. This will restore the skin barrier function, reduce itch and suit the patient. [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]

Atopic eczema often develops during infancy and can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. However, despite this the condition is often not taken seriously by health-care professionals. Atopic eczema is also a widespread problem, affecting as many as 15-20% of children in Britain. The incidence of atopic eczema has risen over the last few decades and genetic factors are no longer thought to be the only aetiological factor--it is now postulated that environmental may also play a part in the development of the condition. Recent research highlights how a defective skin barrier can be a significant issue for atopic skin. This article looks at how atopic eczema affects the quality of life of patients and details the management techniques that are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses will be observing the skin on a daily basis while caring for their patients. Many may appear to have a dry skin or have a skin disease with dryness being the presenting feature in conditions such as atopic eczema, contact dermatitis (irritant and allergic) psoriasis and the ichthyoses. This article explores the barrier function of the skin, factors which influence skin barrier function and the use of emollients for dry skin and skin conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic eczema is a chronic skin condition affecting between 5% and 20% of children aged up to 11 years, and the numbers are increasing. While eczema is often seen to be a minor problem, research has shown that it can cause considerable disruption to the lives of children and their carers, and can incur significant cost for the family and the healthcare system. Access to good quality, relevant information on the seriousness of atopic eczema, problems that are likely to occur during the illness, and how these may affect the child and his/her family's everyday life is an important consideration when providing care. This article focuses on the information needs and the role that support groups can have in relation to caring for children and their families living with atopic eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine atopic dermatitis commonly presents during the summer months. While symptomatic therapy is useful, particularly if the disease is seasonal, a working knowledge of the potential allergens that can be responsible for disease and how they can be avoided by clients and their pets can help as part of a more complete management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of chronic atopic dermatitis is challenging. Dogs not only need to have their atopic dermatitis controlled but chronic damage in the form of hyperpigmentation and lichenification needs to be reversed. A thorough investigation of each case is crucial to identify contributory factors such as infection, parasites and concurrent adverse food reactions before therapy is added to treat chronically damaged skin with such drugs as topical and systemic glucocorticoids and systemic ciclosporine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents medical health products in Great Britain. Use of longterm laxatives in treating patients with chronic constipation; Usability of Arcoxia; Effectiveness of protopic in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]