Skin Problems in Children

by Sharon Hopkins


Although most of common skin problems in children are very prominent and visible, the good news is that they are rarely serious, as compared to other conditions. However, because these conditions are easy to see, they could cause some damage to the child's self image and esteem. Fortunately, most skin problems in children can be cured with the use of over the counter medicines. Some of the most common skin problems children suffer from are:

Types of Skin Problems

  • Head lice : They are small parasites that live in the hair and survive by sucking small amounts of blood from its host's scalp. Head lice are one of the most common problems in children, as they are highly contagious. A child that has been infected by head lice should not be allowed to go to school or a day care center, till all the lice are gone.
  • Eczema : This is usually an inherited condition, which begins with the skin getting dry, itchy and very sensitive. eczema is related to asthma and allergies and therefore, it can be triggered off if the child comes into contact with allergens of any kind. This condition could affect babies, right from the time that they are six months old. These first make an appearance on their cheeks and then move on to their knees, elbows and wrists. Most children eventually outgrow this condition. The condition can also be controlled with the use of topical creams, and ointments.
  • Warts : Approximately 50% of the children in the United States suffer from eczema at some point or the other. Warts are caused by a virus, which makes them quite contagious. They are difficult to get rid of and usually go away on their own. However there are several over the counter medicines as well as home remedies that could be used to speed up the process.
  • Athlete's foot : This refers to a fungal infection, which leads to foot odor as well as an itchy and scaly rash. This occurs due to dampness and therefore, keeping the feet dry and changing socks regularly could prevent it from occurring. If left untreated an Athlete's foot could turn into an infection. There are several over the counter anti-fungal creams that can treat this problem.

Most babies have skin that is very soft and sensitive, which is why their skin gets irritated quite easily. Some of the most common skin problems in infants include diaper rash, heat rash, cradle cap, contact dermatitis and cold sores. While most skin problems in babies are not really serious, they should not be ignored. It is important to have a doctor look at the baby's skin problem and prescribe treatments that would help alleviate the discomfort.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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