CASE STUDY A Atopic Dermatitis J.W., at age 5 months, had a moist, erythematous
ID: 139258 • Letter: C
Question
CASE STUDY A Atopic Dermatitis J.W., at age 5 months, had a moist, erythematous rash on the cheeks, chest, and extensor surfaces of the arms, caused by atopic dermatitis. She had a secondary bacterial infection on one cheek. 1. State the factors in the family history that may support a genetic predisposition to atopic dermatitis in this infant. 2. Explain why a secondary bacterial infection has probably developed. 3. List four factors that tend to aggravate atopic dermatitis. 4. Explain two ways in which administration of an antihistamine could help J.W. sleep. Two years later, eczema has persisted, although controlled partially by the use of moisturizers and hydrocortisone cream. The skin in some areas is thick and rough in texture. 5. Explain how hydrocortisone cream may reduce the inflammation and skin damage.Explanation / Answer
Answer: The genetic tendency to develop the classic allergic diseases atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and asthma. Atopy involves the capacity to produce IgE in response to common environmental proteins such as house dustmite, grass pollen, and food allergens. If both parents have atopic dermatitis, the child’s chances of developing the skin condition increase to three to five-fold. Experts believe that the family history is closely related to genetic mutations in the FLG gene, which encodes the protein filaggrin. Filaggrin plays important roles in the skin, including forming a healthy barrier and contributing to the normal moisture in the skin. However, the genetic mutations with FLG do not explain all cases of atopic dermitits, as a significant number of people with atopic dermatitis have no known FLG mutations, and some people with mutations never develop atopic dermatitis.
A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection. It may be caused by the first treatment or by changes in the immune system. She has a secondary infection as the atopic disease already has an infection and wherever it comes in contact causes the infection to spread over it.
Risk factors includes as there is a strong genetic component to eczema, although the specific details of how eczema is inherited remain incompletely understood. Parents who suffer from allergic disorders, including eczema, asthma, and hay fever have a higher risk of having children with eczema.
Eczema may be triggered or worsened by environmental factors such as:
Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. They work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.