Final answer:
The nurse practitioner may suspect atopic dermatitis (allergic eczema) for a patient with unilateral, symmetrical, itchy small patches on the arms, especially given a history of allergic reactions and recent changes to skin products like sunscreen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : b
Allergic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin that may swell, flake, or even bleed in severe cases. It's often associated with a history of allergies or allergic reactions. In the case presented, the fact that the patient switched to a different sunscreen and subsequently developed a rash suggests contact with an allergen. This is supported by the narrative of Penny, a patient with a history of allergic episodes, who developed a rash after using a new sunscreen and was diagnosed with allergic eczema. Contact dermatitis could also be considered, but without clear information about recent contact with new substances other than sunscreen, atopic dermatitis seems more likely due to the history of allergic responses.
Conditions like tinea corporis (ringworm) or psoriasis present with different symptoms, where tinea corporis often exhibits as a red, ring-shaped rash and psoriasis with thick, red skin with silvery scales. Given the bilaterality and description of the rash, these are less likely than atopic dermatitis, which is known to be commonly bilateral and symmetrical and often related to allergen exposure. Treatments for eczema often include moisturizers, corticosteroid creams, and immunosuppressants to manage symptoms.