We know that rashes and itchy skin are very common in childhood, but what are some specific skin issues that children experience?
Eczema (a.k.a atopic dermatitis) is a dry, itchy, scaly patch on skin that is particularly common to children, with 10-20% of all children worldwide having it. Eczema can look like a rash with red bumps that are rough & scaly, or just an itchy, somewhat scaly patch of skin.In infants, it typically appears on the scalp or face (esp. the cheeks). In children ages 2 & up, eczema typically appears in the creases at the elbows or knees, but is also common on the neck, wrists, ankles, and the creases between the butt & the legs.
TREATMENT: Eczema cannot be cured, only treated to make the symptoms less problematic. Many children with eczema will continue to have it into adulthood, but the symptoms are usually milder.
Common to people ages 10-35, Pityriasis rosea is a skin condition that causes rash-like patches on the skin. Typically, there is one large patch (called a mother or herald patch) with several smaller patches (called “daughter patches”). On people with fair to olive-toned skin, the patches are generally pink or rose-colored. In dark skin, the patches vary in color from violet to dark gray.The patches may also itch; about half of people with this condition have itchy skin. It is not believed to be contagious.
TREATMENT: Pityriasis rosea generally goes away on its own, without treatment, in about 6-8 weeks. After the patches go away, most people do not have another outbreak of the condition. There is no “cure”, but medications can be used to reduce itchiness. Also, try to use lukewarm water for showers and baths (hot water can make the rash worse) and try to stay cool (overheating can make the rash worse).
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infraction that begins as a flat, scaly area on the skin then develops a slightly raised border that makes a circular ring. As the parasites that cause ringworm live on the outer skin cells, they can be transmitted from an infected person, animal, or surface (i.e. clothing, towels, brushes).
TREATMENT: Mild cases may be treated with OTC anti-fungal creams or lotions. More severe cases may require oral anti-fungal medications for several weeks.
Hives (a.k.a. urticaria) are often-itchy welts on the skin that are commonly triggered by an allergic reaction to foods, medicines, insect bites, animals, etc. Hives may also be triggered by an infection, certain illnesses, sun exposure, stress, exercise, or a few other factors. The welts can vary in size from very tiny to about the size of a dinner plate and can be alone, in a group, or merge together. A hive typically lasts for about 24 hours, but new hives can appear even as the previous ones disappear. This can last for a few days to a few weeks.
TREATMENT: For mild or moderate cases, hives can be treated with a non-sedating antihistamine or cortisone (for short term use).
As hives can cause swelling, hives of the mouth or throat area can be very serious and if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, get emergency care immediately.