Introduction

Question 1

Pediatrics VS Adults

Answer 1

Peds:
- skin is thinner
- blood vessels lie closer to the surface because there is a decreased amount of subcutaneous fat
- lose more heat rapidly
- thinnest of skin allows skin to absorb substances faster (increase risk of skin breakdown)
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Question 2

What is pruritus?

Answer 2

Sensation of itching

Question 3

What is scaling?

Answer 3

Dry flaky skin

Question 4

What are the common labs and diagnostic tests used?

Answer 4

• CBC (to determine infection or inflammatory process)
  -Eosinophils may be elevated in the child with atopic dermatitis.
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate (ESR) (to detect infection or inflammation)
  -send sample to lab immediately, if longer than 3 hrs, false result
• Potassiym Hydroxide (KOH) prep (to identify fungal infection)
• Culture of wound or skin drainage
• Immunoglobulin E (to determine atopic dermatitis)
  -Often elevated in allergic or atopic disease, though this is a nonspecific finding. May be increased if the child takes systemic corticosteroids

-Patch or skin testing (to determine atopic or contact dermatitis or allergies)

Question 5

Sunscreen use

Answer 5

• Indicated for children older than 6 months of age
• Apply at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours while exposed (every 60 to 80 minutes while in the water)