Challenges in assessing and diagnosing childhood atopic eczema in primary healthcare : review article

Childhood atopic eczema (AE) has a profound physical, emotional and social effect on the patient and the parent. This effect can be compounded by a delay in diagnosis and effective management. The primary healthcare (PHC) nurse in the public-health sector often lacks the knowledge to assess, diagnose and treat a child with AE. This article focuses on strategies that the PHC nurse can use to assess and diagnose children with AE.