Rashes are a common issue in young children as they can arise from various different causes, making many parents worried. In this article, we will get to know about the issue of rashes that are often found in children, including "contact dermatitis" and "skin allergy rashes." Both differ in the causes of their occurrence and the locations on the skin where they appear. However, sometimes we can find both types of rashes occurring together, making them difficult to distinguish from each other. Additionally, "Contact dermatitis" might not necessarily be caused by contact with clothing.
"Contact dermatitis" is a type of rash that often occurs in the area covered by diapers. It usually develops suddenly and, if left untreated, can become severe and even form sores, causing discomfort for the child. However, with proper care and attention to the baby's skin, it can return to normal.
Causes of Contact dermatitis
- Skin irritation due to prolonged contact of the baby's skin with feces or urine.
- Moisture, leading to skin irritation and red rashes, particularly during the rainy season when the humidity is high.
- The friction of the baby's delicate skin, causing irritation.
Basic treatment of contact dermatitis
- Change diapers frequently to prevent prolonged contact of the baby's skin with feces or urine.
- In case of a mild diaper rash with only redness, apply cream to the affected area every time you clean and change the diaper.
- In case of severe symptoms like severe inflammation, cracking, or pain, it is advisable to promptly consult a pediatrician. The doctor may consider prescribing anti-inflammatory medication.
- Keep an eye out for bacterial or fungal infections that may develop.
Protection against contact dermatitis is taking care of and maintaining the skin in the diaper area, keeping it dry and clean at all times.
- Change diapers every time they become wet.
- Change diapers immediately after your baby urinates or has a bowel movement.
- Clean with plain water every time after a bowel movement and then pat dry.
- Avoid using talcum powder because it can clump and create moisture.
- Choose ready-made diapers with good liquid-absorbing properties and gentle, non-irritating materials for your baby's skin.
- Use skin barrier creams like Zinc Oxide, Lanolin, and Dexpanthenol to protect the skin every time.
Skin allergy come with symptoms of dry, red, itchy patches that appear and then disappears, and the location of the rash may vary depending on the child's age:
- Children under 2 years old often have rashes on the cheeks, face, neck, back, outer arms, legs, and wrists.
- Children over 2 years old typically experience rashes on the neck, elbow and knee creases, and both sides of the arms and legs.
Causes of skin allergy are not definitely known, but might come from several factors:
- Genetic factors that influence the fragility of a baby's skin structure, making it more susceptible to moisture loss and dryness than normal.
- Environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, either too cold or too hot.
- Irritants like chemicals, fragrances, alcohol, various cleansing products, or clothing made from rough materials.
- Food allergies, such as milk, eggs, and peanuts, which affect around 10% of young children with moderate to severe eczema and do not respond well to basic treatments.
- Allergens in the air, such as dust mites and molds.
Basic treatment of skin allergy
- Increase skin moisture by applying moisturizer daily.
- Avoid taking excessively hot baths as it can make your baby's skin dry easily.
- Apply anti-inflammatory cream when redness and inflammation occur on your baby's skin.
A heartfelt thank to Piyarat ‘Ann’ Lertbannaphong, M.D., for helpful information.
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(1) The products cause no allergies or irritation in the test group, as confirmed by the test results conducted by Dermscan Asia Company, Thailand, except for individual irritation. It does not include the one caused by prolonged diaper use. In case of individual irritations, it is advisable to consult a physician.
Crated At 20/10/2023
