Skin Problems That Can Affect Kids And What Should To Do About Them

Can your kid have skin problems? Yes, they can!

Parents usually worry about their child’s skin because of its sensitivity and potential to develop pimples and other blemishes. If your child has dry skin, you may get worried, but it is not a sign of a serious skin problem. There are several skin problems that can affect kids, including atopic dermatitis, seborrhea, pustular psoriasis, and ichthyosis vulgaris. If your child has one of these skin problems, it does not mean he’s doomed.

Keep reading to learn more about these skin problems, their treatment, and how to keep your child’s skin healthy and blemish-free.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (aka eczema) is a relapsing inflammatory skin condition that usually starts before age 5. It occurs most often in children who have asthma or other allergic disorders. The condition usually gets better as the child gets older, but children who have it may have a risk of having asthma as an adult. The cause and trigger for atopic dermatitis aren’t certain, but environmental allergens, such as food and dust mite allergens, seem to play a role.

Your doctor can help figure out what foods may be triggering your child’s atopic dermatitis. He may also recommend allergy testing (allergy testing) to see if your child is allergic to specific foods. Keeping your child’s diet simple and avoiding known food allergens is one important way to treat atopic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects young children. It’s an inflammatory skin condition that causes mild to severe itching and redness. It may cause thick, yellowish-brown crusts on the scalp and eyebrows, among other areas. Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by a yeast infection in the skin called Malassezia, which is normally found in the scalp and skin. The yeast grows in the skin if it’s not treated. It’s usually treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal medications.

Pustular Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that can affect any area of the skin, including the scalp, elbows, knees, and joints. The most common areas are the scalp, elbows, and knees. In addition, the typical red, scaly areas of psoriasis, pustular psoriasis may cause pustules, or pus-filled blisters, on your child’s skin. Psoriasis is caused by an excess of skin cells that cause red, scaly skin. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it may be triggered by certain stress, skin injury, or certain medications.

Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly, red patches of skin. It usually affects the palms and soles of the feet. It also can affect the scalp, upper lip, abdomen, and chest. Like seborrheic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris is caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. Unlike seborrheic dermatitis, though, ichthyosis vulgaris doesn’t cause chronic itching, redness, or thick yellowish-brown crusts on the scalp. It’s important to note that ichthyosis vulgaris is different from alopecia areata, which is also sometimes called ichthyosis vulgaris.

Avoiding Common Causes of Skin Problems

Because your child may have skin problems, you may wonder if he’s exposed to something that’s causing it. The best way to prevent these skin problems is to keep your child’s skin as healthy as possible.

Here are some tips to help you prevent your kid from developing a skin problem:

• Examine your kid’s skin often for scaly patches and other skin problems. Be on the lookout for any changes in your child’s skin and try to catch any skin problems quickly.
• Make sure your kid gets enough water and sun exposure. Both are good for healthy skin.
• If your child has eczema, keep him away from all stuff that might trigger his eczema, like perfumes, dander (dead skin cells), dust, and raw foods.
• If your child develops dry, itchy skin, try to figure out what his diet is missing. Check the ingredients in his favorite foods and try to avoid those ingredients yourself.

Finding the Right Treatment for Your Child’s Skin Problem

Doctors usually diagnose a skin problem based on the symptoms your child shows and the history of his previous skin conditions. If the doctor suspects atopic dermatitis, for example, he’ll check your child’s skin for redness and other symptoms. If your child has other symptoms of atopic dermatitis, like scaly patches, your pediatric dermatologist will likely diagnose it and start treating it.

If your child doesn’t have any symptoms of atopic dermatitis, he may be diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis or ichthyosis vulgaris. In these cases, your pediatric dermatologist will likely recommend an over-the-counter medication. If you are near Endwell, dermatologist there can help your family manage these skin problems and keep your child’s skin as itch-free as possible.

Conclusion

If your child has one of the skin problems above, keeping his skin as healthy as possible is the key to preventing it from recurring and successfully treating it. Try to avoid exposing your child to known triggers for skin problems, like harsh chemicals and pesticides. Also, make sure your child gets enough water and sun exposure. Finally, make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables.