title: Assessing the patient with a skin condition.
abstract: Skin diseases affect 20-30% of the population at any one time, seriously interfering with activities in 10%. Skin conditions are, by their vary nature, visible. As a result, those with a skin condition receive the same reaction from society as anyone who looks 'different'. They can be subjected to stares, whispered comments, antagonism, insult or exclusion from normal social activity. Those with a skin condition have the needs of all other patients, but in addition, the impact upon their lives of a skin condition, its treatment and the ways in which others perceive them, makes their situation unique. Many nurses however will have little or no experience of patients with skin conditions. They need therefore to be aware of the wide-ranging effects skin disease can have on the individual and their family. It is important that nurses understand the basic principles of skin disease and care, but are also aware of their limitations, seeking further advice as necessary. This article will guide the nurse in assessing patients with a skin condition.
authors.affiliation: Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lawton
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D009626:Terminology as Topic