HOW TO DEAL WITH 5 COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS IN BABIES AND CHILDREN

Heat rash (prickly heat) occurs when sweat becomes trapped beneath the skin, causing inflammation and itchy red rashes. Hot and humid weather is the most common cause. Heat rash is mainly found on the neck, shoulders and chest but can also show up in the armpits, elbow creases and groin.

Home remedies include calamine lotion to soothe itching and anhydrous lanolin, which may help prevent duct blockage and stop new lesions from forming. A doctor may prescribe topical steroids in very serious cases of heat rash.

Diaper rash is a common form of inflamed skin. It appears as red, tender-looking skin in your baby’s diaper region (buttocks, thighs and genitals).

The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep your baby’s skin as clean and dry as possible. If your baby’s diaper rash persists despite home treatment, your doctor may prescribe a mild hydrocortisone (steroid) cream; an antifungal cream, if your baby has a fungal infection; and topical or oral antibiotics, if your baby has a bacterial infection.

Cradle cap causes crusty or oily scaly patches on a baby’s scalp. The condition is not painful or itchy. It usually clears up on its own in weeks or a few months. Home care measures include washing your baby’s scalp daily with a mild shampoo. This can help you loosen and gently remove the scales. If cradle cap persists or seems severe, your doctor may suggest a medicated shampoo, lotion or other treatment.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) causes extreme itchiness. If your baby scratches their itchy skin, this will result in a rash. Daily bathing and moisturizing are key to treating your baby’s atopic dermatitis. Use a mild cleanser and warm water. After a bath, rinse completely, gently pat your baby dry and apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment such as petroleum jelly, while the skin is still damp. Moisturize at least twice a day; a good time would be at diaper changes.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers. Many over-the-counter (OTC) acne products are available to treat mild to moderate acne. These include cleansing lotions, gels, foams and towelettes, leave-on products, and treatments or kits. If OTC acne products are not effective, consult a dermatologist. Prescription medications for acne include topical (retinoid, salicylic acid, etc.) and oral medications (antibiotics, isotretinoin, etc.) as well as various therapies (light therapy, chemical peel, etc.).

Talk to your pediatrician/dermatologist for more information on how deal with your child’s skin condition. Shop at Watsons for your baby’s skin care products and other healthcare essentials.

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References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/prickly-heat#symptoms. Accessed 18 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/symptoms-causes/syc-20373276. Accessed 18 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373282. Accessed 18 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diaper-rash/symptoms-causes/syc-20371636. Accessed 18 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diaper-rash/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371641. Accessed 18 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cradle-cap/symptoms-causes/syc-20350396. Accessed 18 January 2021
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=511&language=English. Accessed 18 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/expert-answers/baby-eczema/faq-20450999#:~:text=Use%20a%20mild%20cleanser%20and,day%2C%20perhaps%20at%20diaper%20changes. Accessed 18 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047. Accessed 19 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-products/art-20045814. Accessed 19 January 2021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048. Accessed 19 January 2021