Child Skin Problems Parents Ask About Most

Children's skin is thinner and absorbs medicine more readily than adult skin, so both the medicine and its strength have to be chosen carefully.

Nappy rash

Usually caused by prolonged contact with moisture. Frequent changes, drying the area properly and a barrier cream fix most cases. A rash with satellite spots that does not settle often has a yeast component and needs treatment.

Eczema

Dry, itchy patches that come and go, often in the elbow and knee folds. Regular moisturiser is the mainstay, with short courses of prescribed medicine during flares. Long-term steroid use without supervision should be avoided.

Heat rash and infections

Prickly heat settles with cool, loose cotton clothing. Boils, impetigo and ringworm need proper treatment, and ringworm in children often means someone else at home has it too.

When to bring your child in

Any rash with fever, a rash that is spreading fast, a painful or pus-filled lesion, or an itch that is disturbing sleep deserves a visit rather than a home remedy.