Final answer:
When caring for a child with contact dermatitis, the highest priority is managing the risk of infection. The condition is primarily a concern for the epidermis and does not typically occur solely due to poor hygiene. Preventing infections is essential because they can lead to more significant health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
In planning care for a child with contact dermatitis, the highest priority concern for the child is b) Risk of infection. Contact dermatitis can compromise the skin's barrier function leading to increased vulnerability to infections. Proper skin care and avoiding further irritation are essential to prevent an infection that could worsen the condition.
Concerns such as altered body image and impaired mobility, although significant, are secondary compared to the immediate physiological risks. Pain management is also important but takes a lower priority compared to preventing infection, as unaddressed infections can lead to more serious health complications.
It is worth noting that contact dermatitis does not occur due to poor hygiene alone but is often triggered by an allergic reaction to substances in contact with the skin. Additionally, while sun exposure is not directly linked to contact dermatitis, proper skincare includes protecting the inflammation from sun exposure which can be reduced by limiting exposure to the sun. Unlike more serious conditions like skin cancer, which involves multiple layers of skin, contact dermatitis generally affects only the epidermis.
To address the student's separate concern regarding skin cancer and pregnancy, it's important to know that most skin cancers are not known to spread from the mother to the developing fetus. However, it is a concern that should be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper assessment and management during pregnancy.