Final answer:
Patient education and counselling for eczema includes avoiding allergens, maintaining skin hydration, and following proper medication use. Allergy testing may be relevant, and understanding how eczema differs from other skin conditions is also important for patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder that often requires comprehensive patient education and counselling for effective management. This counselling should include the identification and avoidance of potential allergens, instructions on the application of moisturizers, and guidance on the use of prescribed medications such as corticosteroid creams and immunosuppressants. Also, allergy testing may be necessary to identify specific triggers. It's crucial for patients with eczema to understand the importance of maintaining skin hydration, avoiding irritants like certain soaps and detergents, and possibly using allergy medications cautiously to not interfere with testing.
As for Penny, who is 16 years old and has allergic eczema, avoiding the trigger, which in her case is the new sunscreen, is an essential part of her treatment plan. In her situation, the doctor has prescribed an over-the-counter moisturizing cream to keep her skin hydrated and to alleviate itching. Additionally, individuals with eczema should be aware of the difference between eczema and other skin conditions, such as acne, and the symptoms that distinguish them.