Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and its function is to protect your body from infection. Sometimes, however, the skin itself can become infected. Children’s skin can be sensitive, which means they’re more prone to skin rashes from germs, viruses, and environmental triggers. A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin, and rashes are typically itchy, red, and painful. Some common causes of skin rashes include eczema, allergies, fungal infections, and childhood diseases.
Eczema
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin. Typically, eczema is characterized by scaly, rough patches of skin that are usually flesh-colored, dry, and itchy. Atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema, is chronic and tends to flare periodically. Atopic dermatitis develops from an overactive immune system in early childhood and often arises in children who have a family history of allergies. Eczema may also be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. Atopic dermatitis (AD), often called eczema or atopic eczema is a very common skin disease. It affects between 8.7% to 18.1% of all infants and children. The exact cause is not known, but AD results from a combination of family heredity and a variety of conditions in everyday life that triggers the red, itchy rash.
Children often get atopic dermatitis during their first year of life. If a child gets AD during this time, dry and scaly patches appear on the skin. These patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face. These patches are very common on the cheeks. No matter where it appears, AD is often very itchy. Infants may rub their skin against bedding or carpeting to relieve the itch. In children of all ages, the itch can be so intense that a child cannot sleep. Scratching can lead to a skin infection. Because atopic dermatitis can be long lasting, it is important to learn how to take care of the skin. A treatment plan often includes medicine, skin care, and lifestyle changes. Skin care and lifestyle changes can help prevent flare-ups. Many patients receive tips for coping. Doing all of this may seem bothersome, but sticking to the plan can make a big difference.
Allergies
Skin rashes can also be caused by food or environmental allergies. Symptoms vary depending on the allergen, but children might experience an immediate reaction such as an itchy, red rash or bumps on the skin.
Fungal infections
A fungus that invades the tissue can cause a disease that's confined to the skin, spreads into tissue, bones, and organs, or affects the whole body. Fungal infections like ringworm spread easily in schools or public swimming pools. They can develop over different areas of the body and cause many types of rashes.
Childhood diseases
Common childhood viruses and diseases like chickenpox or roseola can also trigger rashes. If left untreated, these rashes can get infected, and the disease can spread around your family.
How are rashes treated?
Dr. Grullon performs a comprehensive skin assessment to determine the cause of the rash and any other symptoms. Treating a rash varies from one child to the next, but it may include:
Topical creams or ointments, which reduce inflammation, fight infection, and soothe itching
Antihistamines, which calm an allergic response
Medications, which are sometimes needed if the rash is fungal
Topical creams or ointments, which reduce inflammation, fight infection, and soothe itching
Dr. Grullon might also recommend that your child take baths that include skin-soothing ingredients. If a food or chemical sensitivity is causing the rash, you will need to remove the trigger from the child’s diet or environment to avoid a reoccurrence.
What can my child expect after treatment?
When your child has a rash, it’s important to soothe the symptoms as quickly as possible. You don’t want them to keep scratching or touching the infected area because doing so can lead to inflammation and infection. Dr. Grullon prescribes ointments or medications your child needs to heal and feel better as soon as possible. Additionally, she may recommend a follow-up appointment to check on your child’s skin health and progress. Dr. Ariolis Grullon diagnoses and treats common rashes and skin conditions, like eczema and atopic dermatitis, as well as fungal infections. To book an appointment today, call or use the easy online scheduling system.