Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed, and easily irritated skin. The term “eczema” is broad and can refer to several dermatitis patterns, but in nursing education it most often refers to atopic dermatitis, especially in infants, children, and clients with allergic conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis. Eczema is not contagious. It is a relapsing condition, meaning clients often cycle through periods of flare, partial improvement, and recurrence. The RPN role is essential because eczema care depends heavily on daily skin care, trigger reduction, medication adherence, infection prevention, and early recognition of worsening disease. The Canadian Dermatology Association describes eczema as an inflammatory skin condition that can be managed but not cured, with flare control as a major treatment goal. For RPN learners, eczema should be understood as more than “dry skin.” It is a skin-barrier disorder combined with immune dysregulation. The client’s skin loses water more easily, becomes vulnerable to irritants and allergens, and then develops inflammation and intense pruritus. Scratching worsens the barrier injury, which allows more irritation and inflammation. This...