Aside from being the body’s largest organ, the skin is also the most exposed. This is the reason it is at great risk of being afflicted with skin diseases or sakit sa balat that range from irritation to infection. These skin maladies often cause a variety of symptoms, the most common being the appearance of rashes, itchy spots, and sebaceous cysts. Other symptoms to look out for include skin growths, extremely dry and rough skin, and the sudden appearance of moles in different parts of the body.
With their naturally sensitive skin, your kids are at an even greater risk of having skin problems, and that is all the more reason for you to be extra observant and careful when it comes to your kid’s skin. In particular, you must watch out for the following skin problems as they are common in children.
Ringworm
This skin problem is an infection caused by three main types of fungi—trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Your child can catch these fungi through contact with infected humans and animals or by holding items harboring these harmful agents. It generally manifests first as a series of red patches in the infected areas, which then turn to lesions that look like a ring-shaped worm. Other symptoms of ringworm include the appearance of scaly patches of skin and raised areas of skin known as plaques.
To treat ringworm, make sure that you wash the infected area with mild soap and water. Then, dry that part with a towel, making sure that you are using different towels for the infected and non-infected areas to prevent further infection. Next, apply some over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams formulated specifically for children. Application of antifungal cream is generally done twice a day and should be done for three to four weeks. But if your child is less than two years old, consult first with your pediatrician or a dermatologist.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an adverse skin reaction that occurs when your child’s skin comes into contact with an irritant, like detergents and soap, or an allergen, such as nickel from jewelry and latex in rubber toys. The symptoms of contact dermatitis include itchiness, red spots or rashes, and drying of the skin. More serious cases often come with blistering, peeling of the skin, and even bleeding.
The first step to treat your kid’s contact dermatitis is to keep them away from the irritant or allergen. Next, gently wash the affected area using an only mild soap. You can then apply a cold compress on swollen and itchy areas to decrease both inflammation and irritation. For more severe reactions, you can apply OTC anti-inflammatory creams or give oral antihistamines in case of allergic reactions.
Scabies
Scabies is another skin infection common in children. It is caused by tiny insects called “mites” that burrow deep in the skin. These microscopic insects often live in furniture, bedding, and carpets that have not been cleaned well. When these mites get in your child’s skin, they can cause the appearance of red bumps on the skin accompanied by intense itching. This skin problem is extremely contagious, and it can be passed on via person-to-person contact and sharing things with someone infected already.
Treatment of scabies begins with washing the affected areas with mild soap. As with ringworm, make sure you dry the infected parts using a different towel to keep the infection isolated. You can also apply OTC scabicides that specifically treat scabies. In particular, use a topical cream that contains permethrin, a substance that kills mites effectively but is gentle enough to be used in children. You can also give your kid oral antihistamine to ease itching. During treatment, wash all your kids’ clothes in hot water and deep clean your home as well to get rid of mites.
Heat Rash
Heat rash or bungang araw in the vernacular is caused by sweat glands getting blocked. This results in the appearance of tiny, raised red spots that feel itchy and prickly. These are also accompanied by mild swelling but are generally harmless. That said, a heat rash can make your kid feel lots of discomfort.
One of the easiest ways to remedy heat rash is to give your child a cool bath, but only using a mild soap. You can also apply a cold compress on the areas with rashes to ease the itching and swelling. Additionally, remind your child to just tap or pat the itchy parts rather than scratch them to prevent wounding the affected areas. Make sure, too, that your kid wears loose-fitting cotton clothes to keep them cool and comfortable.
A Reminder
While kids are susceptible to the four skin conditions outlined above, each is generally harmless when treated correctly right away. But when the symptoms persist despite applying the recommended remedies above, pay your pediatrician a visit right away or consult with a dermatologist. Doing so will give you a concrete idea on how to better deal with your child’s skin problem, thereby keeping it from worsening and causing even more discomfort.
