Question
My baby was just born and recently diagnosed with neonatal hard edema. He is currently undergoing treatment. But what are the nursing measures after a child is diagnosed with hard edema?
Answer
The most prominent symptom of neonatal hard edema is skin changes. Initially, the skin feels cold and hard and is not easily compressed. Additionally, the skin swells and forms dents when pressed. This is common on the skin of the legs and outer thighs, and can extend to the facial skin in severe cases. Children with this condition often face various difficulties. If you notice symptoms such as blisters around the nose and mouth, or weak breathing, these are signs of a serious illness and should be immediately taken to the hospital for emergency treatment. Neonatal hard edema is more common in cold northern regions of our country, especially during winter. Premature infants and those with low birth weight are most affected by this disease. It usually occurs in newborns who have not been well protected from the cold, have insufficient feeding, or are ill within the first week after birth.