Eczema
Eczema ( 15 Questions)
A client with Eczema asks, "What happens in my skin that causes all these symptoms?" How should the nurse explain the pathophysiology of Eczema?
"Eczema is mainly a result of overactive mast cells." This statement is not entirely accurate.
While mast cells and their release of histamines play a role in eczema symptoms, the pathophysiology of eczema is more complex.
It involves not only mast cell activation but also abnormalities in the skin barrier and immune system response.
"It's due to a healthy skin barrier preventing allergens." This statement is not accurate.
In eczema, there is a dysfunction in the skin barrier, which allows allergens and irritants to penetrate more easily.
A healthy skin barrier is supposed to provide protection against these environmental factors.
"Eczema involves an abnormal immune response and skin barrier dysfunction." This statement is accurate.
Eczema is characterized by both an abnormal immune response and dysfunction in the skin barrier.
The immune system reacts excessively to environmental triggers, leading to inflammation and the classic symptoms of eczema, such as redness, itching, and dry skin.
"The primary cause of Eczema is excessive water retention in the skin." This statement is not accurate.
Eczema is not primarily caused by excessive water retention in the skin.
In fact, the skin barrier dysfunction in eczema can lead to increased loss of moisture from the skin, contributing to dryness and exacerbating symptoms.
Choice A rationale:
"Eczema is mainly a result of overactive mast cells." This statement is not entirely accurate.
While mast cells and their release of histamines play a role in eczema symptoms, the pathophysiology of eczema is more complex.
It involves not only mast cell activation but also abnormalities in the skin barrier and immune system response.
Choice B rationale:
"It's due to a healthy skin barrier preventing allergens." This statement is not accurate.
In eczema, there is a dysfunction in the skin barrier, which allows allergens and irritants to penetrate more easily.
A healthy skin barrier is supposed to provide protection against these environmental factors.
Choice C rationale:
"Eczema involves an abnormal immune response and skin barrier dysfunction." This statement is accurate.
Eczema is characterized by both an abnormal immune response and dysfunction in the skin barrier.
The immune system reacts excessively to environmental triggers, leading to inflammation and the classic symptoms of eczema, such as redness, itching, and dry skin.
Choice D rationale:
"The primary cause of Eczema is excessive water retention in the skin." This statement is not accurate.
Eczema is not primarily caused by excessive water retention in the skin.
In fact, the skin barrier dysfunction in eczema can lead to increased loss of moisture from the skin, contributing to dryness and exacerbating symptoms.