Our skin acts as a protective barrier, preventing excessive body fluid and mineral loss, helps regulate body heat and protects us against infections. Babies and children generally have sensitive skin which can react to many triggers such as dryness, germs and irritants. The most common skin condition affecting babies and children, eczema usually begins in infancy 3 months and above or during childhood. Eczema is a very itchy condition and is usually chronic and relapsing.
It can potentially improve with age and it may even clear completely. However, eczema can still flare up even after an inactive period. Atopic eczema appears as red, scaly, scratched rashes. Blisters may be seen. In long-standing chronic cases, the skin can become quite thick. Usually, no laboratory or skin tests are required to make the diagnosis. Eczema is not contagious or infectious, although it may be infected by bacteria due to constant scratching resulting in open sores.
Eczema not related to poor hygiene and is not a sign of poor parenting. In fact, overzealous washing with harsh antiseptics or soaps can be very drying and makes the condition worse. Depending on the cause of dermatitis, the appearance of diaper rash can vary. A rash caused by contact dermatitis is red and mostly appears on the backside but not the folds. However, a rash due to a yeast infection usually starts from the folds before spreading outwards.
The rash is commonly associated with satellite lesions. Symptoms of diaper dermatitis may be similar to other more serious conditions. Hives urticaria is a condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin, varying in size from small to large patches.
Irritant contact dermatitis caused by wet wipes and licking left and from a nickel watch right. Contact dermatitis is typically most severe at the site of contact with the irritant. Symptoms can vary slightly depending on the child, but redness and swelling on the skin, blistering, itchiness and temporary thickening of the skin are usually observed.
