Children are susceptible to skin problems due to their carelessness towards hygiene. Thankfully, most of these skin problems are easy to treat and less harmful. So, find out what are the common skin problems in children, to nip the problem from the bud.
Children are more susceptible to skin problems, due to their carelessness. However, these problems are of less serious nature, as compared to adult skin problems. The most common skin problems in children are contracted at schools, playgrounds and at day cares. Treating them immediately is the only remedy of preventing the skin disorder from flaring up. Bug bites, bruises, rashes caused due to diapers and sweat are few more reasons that lead to skin problems in children. Viruses are the main cause of rashes in children. Thankfully, these can be treated very easily with the exact diagnoses and right treatment for it.
Common Skin Problems in Kids
☊ Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is sometimes known as eczema, which is a commonly seen skin condition in kids. It is caused by dry skin which makes the child scratch it excessively. This results in red raised rashes, which can spread from one person to another. Usually children outgrow this skin problem with mild problem persisting in later life. Reducing stress, adequate sleep, staying away from allergens, dust, dander, strong detergent based soaps, avoiding extreme climate changes such as cold temperatures and dry and hot climate are some ways of bringing actopic dermititis in control. Constant itching is a very common symptom of this skin problem.
☊ Lice
Head lice is an extremely common skin problem amongst toddlers and preschoolers. They are found in hair, at the nape, behind the ears and near the neck. Once again, head lice are spread from one person to another, which is the primary reason for children getting infested with head lice. Sharing clothes, using each others hair brushes and playing together are the possible ways in which head lice spread from one child to another. Lice are incapable of flying from one head to the other. There are no symptoms to this problem. However, it causes severe itching and wounds at times which can bleed. As lice move down on the body, they make colonies by laying eggs and leave being sores on armpits, waist and back. It can be treated with anti-lice medication which is available over-the-counter. Shampoo, lotions and creams are some forms of this medication for lice. Calamine lotions can help in relieving the child from itching and accelerating the process of healing the wounds.
☊ Impetigo
Impetigo is a non-contagious skin disorder, but it is very infectious. This disease is caused due to bacteria which find their way into the skin through cuts or abrasions. They form scabs, which range between the shades of yellow and red. Scratching aggravates the problems and infects the skin even more. Using same towels, playing together and sharing stuff with other kids or adults is the reason for impetigo in kids. Strict cleanliness, bathing twice a day with soap and water, using clean combs, brushes, towels and clothes is another way of preventing this skin problem from reoccurring.
☊ Ringworm
Firstly, ringworm is not a worm and secondly, it occurs in children too. It can be seen anywhere from scalp to skin. This ringed shape rash (which is why it is called a ringworm) is caused due to fungi. Playing with pets, especially kittens and puppies, pigs, horses and cows and being careless about hygiene is common cause of ringworm in children. Jock itch or itching between the skin folds is a sign of ringworm. It can be treated at home with anti fungal creams and lotions. Ringworm of the scalp can be treated with pills and shampoo. However, consult a dermatologist for right medication.
Besides the aforementioned here are some more skin diseases which are seen in kids.
Other Skin Problems in Children
▣ Dandruff
▣ Warts
▣ Athlete’s foot
▣ Hives
▣ Scabies
▣ Poison Ivy
▣ Diaper rashes
▣ Swimmer’s itch
▣ Folliculitis
▣ Molluscum contagiosum
▣ Pityriasis alba
▣ Pinworms
▣ Papular urticaria
Treating skin problem is a tedious effort, but it needs to be made, to help your child have a healthy skin in the later stages of life. Hygiene is one of the most important factors in keeping skin problems at bay. Thus, ensuring bathing twice a day, playing in safe conditions and using the best skin products for your child are simple things, which can avert bigger troubles.