Skin problems are not exclusive to plague pimply boys and girls approaching puberty or middle-aged parents whose fine lines and wrinkles only aggravate their midlife crises.
According to Dr. Donna Sarrosa, a pediatric dermatologist and member of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), even the youngest and most innocent of us are prone to a number of skin conditions, from acne (yes, acne!) and allergies to even atopic dermatitis. This, according to Sarrosa, is the most common dermatitis in children.
“In teens, it’s acne. In children, it’s atopic dermatitis,” she said.
According to Sarrosa, atopic dermatitis is a kind of eczema, which is a swelling of the outer layer of the skin. It usually affects infants that are less than six months of age, and is a recurring condition, though non-contagious.
Signs and symptoms of the disease include rashes. For infants, they typically appear on the face, while for adults and older children, on the body folds. Other signs and symptoms are itching, and very dry skin.
Sarrosa said that the condition causes unnecessary distress for children.
“They think it’s contagious… This is also an issue among Filipinos, the dietary restrictions. When they come in, the child is almost not eating anything because some parents would believe that certain foods would exacerbate the rash, and so they’re not taking anything: no chicken, no eggs, and the nutrition is affected,” she explained.
Among the factors that cause atopic dermatitis is the environment, particularly the weather, where sweat and low humidity can aggravate the condition.
Genetics also play a role in causing the condition. According to Sarrosa, those who are diagnosed with atopic dermatitis usually have a family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and urticaria (hives).
See a doctor right away
Sarrosa said that it is important to go to a doctor at the first sign of atopic dermatitis, or any other skin disease.
“Sometimes it’s hard to identify what a rash is, and that’s why it’s very important to go to a doctor,” she said.
According Dr. Marivi Dizon, another pediatric dermatologist and PDS member, once your child begins to experience any skin irritation, you should immediately “stop using what you suspect is the offending agent.”
She also said that you should clean with a mild cleansing soap or “soapless cleanser,” apply moisturizer, and use sunblock.
Dizon added that to provide relief from the symptoms, you can buy an over-the-counter topical cream or ointment from the drugstore. However, this should be done as a last resort and only if you cannot go to the doctor immediately.
Source:http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/263457/lifestyle/wellness/skin-care-for-babies-and-young-kids
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