Common Childhood Skin Problems

A rash is not just a rash when you are a child. There could be many causes for it. Here are some ways to help you distinguish those rashes and get rid of them.

Ringworm – This is not caused by a worm at all. Instead the culprit is a fungus. The red circular lesions are very contagious and may open and weep. Treatment with antifungal creams and powders (depending on the ringworm location) can stop the irritating itch and clear up the rash.

Chickenpox – This is not caused by a chicken. It is a very contagious infection that leaves your skin peppered with red spots. These spots itch and scratching can burst them open and cause them to spread. Calamine lotion and other drying mixtures like oatmeal stop the itch. Once the blisters burst and dry, they will crust over and go away. Marks may remain if the chickenpox is scratched a lot.

Slapped cheek – Like the name implies, the cheeks look like someone has hit them a few times. This condition is also referred to as “fifth disease.” Your child may exhibit flu-like symptoms at first and then a rash on the face (the reddened cheeks) and the body. Like the flu, keeping your child hydrated and using ibuprofen to relieve the fever and pain are used as treatment.

Impetigo – This is also a highly contagious childhood skin problem characterized by red sores that weep when scratched and can spread to other areas of the body. It is usually caused by staph bacteria. Using antibiotic ointment on the sores will help dry and clear them up. Washing anything that the child played with can prevent the spread of the infection.

Warts – These raised bumps, much like those on a witch’s nose at Halloween, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are mostly found on hands and don’t hurt, but can look unsightly. They can be removed by a doctor with laser treatments and also be freezing them.

Heat rash (prickly heat) – When sweat glands get blocked, they can show up as red, raised bumps on the skin. The solution could be as easy as unwrapping the child that is bundled up too tight so they can sweat properly.

Contact dermatitis – This occurs when you fall in a patch of poison ivy. The skin reacts with a substance in the plant to cause fluid-filled blisters to form that break open. Removing the source of the reaction can stop the blisters. Treating existing ones with hydrocortisone cream can dry them out.

What did you have as a child? Recognize the different skin disorders.