As the largest organ in the human body, the skin plays many roles, such as helping regulate temperature, providing a protective barrier against bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, and reducing the harmful effects of UV rays. It also plays a vital role in the immune system.
Children spend a lot of time playing and exploring the world around them. As they play with other kids, they may slip, fall, or get cuts, scrapes, and scratches on the skin, letting in bacteria and other invaders that can cause skin infections. Prevention is often the best cure for many skin conditions, so in this article, we’ll share some tips to prevent common skin conditions in children.
Common Skins Conditions in Children
There are many reasons why your child may get a skin condition. Typically, they are caused by allergens, viruses, bacteria, or fungi that get into the skin. Some of the common skin conditions in children include:
- Dermatitis
- Heat rash
- Sunburn
- Eczema
- Diaper rash
- Chickenpox
- Measles
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Impetigo
- Ringworm
- Hives
- Warts
- Acne
- Birthmarks
- Verruca
Stay on Top of Personal Hygiene
Get your children to take ownership of their hygiene as young as possible. Washing hands before playing and after eating can stop bacteria and other bugs from getting into their skin. Get your child into a regular habit of bathing as young as possible.
Regularly changing towels and washcloths and brushing hair is a great way to protect the skin. Also, ensure that kids don’t share personal items if anyone has a cold or a skin condition. Many skin conditions are infectious and can be easily spread through the house or school.
Ensure that your child’s fingernails are trimmed and filed as much as possible. Bacteria can easily get under the nails and can penetrate the skin if they scratch themselves.
Avoid Scented Products
Many soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents contain fragrances to enhance their scent. However, these scents can irritate your child’s skin, leading to contact dermatitis.
Avoid scented soaps, lotions, shampoos, and laundry products, and purchase products that specifically mention that they are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Stay Hydrated
The skin needs to be kept moisturized and hydrated, whether it’s the height of summer or the drier winter months. The best way to do that is to drink plenty of water, as this helps to protect the skin cells.
In the case of eczema, using some moisturizing lotion helps to protect against the symptoms.
Clean Any Cuts and Scrapes ASAP
Kids trip, fall over, and play games that result in cuts and scratches; it’s all part of growing up! However, many skin infections happen when these wounds aren’t cleaned properly. Any breaks in the skin can let in bacteria that may lead to the area getting infected. Use water and antiseptic soap around the wound and keep an eye on things to make sure it doesn’t get infected.
Stay Safe in the Outdoors
Sunburn, insect bites, and plant rashes happen when kids spend a lot of time outside in the summer months. Making sure your kids stay hydrated and wear sun protection, such as cool clothing, hats, and glasses, can minimize the sun’s impacts on the skin. Using insect repellant and avoiding bright clothing also helps to minimize the risks of bites and stings.
Running around outside in humid climates can increase the risk of skin conditions such as heat rash, impetigo, and ringworm. Make sure your child stays hydrated, bathes regularly, and changes undergarments and clothing every day.
Prevention is the best cure for common skin conditions in children. If you need any advice about prevention or are worried about your child’s skin, contact us today to arrange an appointment with one of our friendly, board-certified pediatricians based at our Littleton clinic.