Skin disorders can affect toddlers for a variety of reasons. Some disorders that last into adulthood get their start when a child is a toddler. Some skin disorders require minimal treatment and will go away with little assistance, whereas other disorders require a more aggressive approach to manage symptoms.
Eczema
Eczema is a common skin disorder in toddlers. It is characterized by a red skin rash that may cause the skin to look dry and scaly. The rash may also be composed of red bumps that ooze and blister. Eczema is also referred to as atopic dermatitis and is uncomfortably itchy for the child. Scratching eczema rashes can cause damage to the skin as well as infections. Kid Source Online reports that there is no cure for eczema, but parents can treat and manage the condition. Doctors often prescribe topical steroid creams to help lessen itching and reduce skin inflammation. Parents should help their children avoid known skin irritants such as some detergents, nickel-plated jewelry and wool.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that often begins in a toddler and continues into adulthood. Baby Zone notes that the condition occurs when white blood cells erroneously begin to attack the child’s own skin and often appears on the scalp, elbows and knees as red, scaly patches of skin. Treatment of psoriasis in toddlers includes ultraviolet light therapy, steroid creams and topical vitamin D.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition in which small, dry, red bumps, approximately the size of a pinhead, appear on the backs of a toddler's arms and sometimes legs. This condition occurs when the protein keratin is produced in excess and builds up inside hair follicles. This buildup causes the follicles to redden and become inflamed. Keratosis pilaris is a genetic condition and is often chronic, meaning that it can last for years. Keep Kids Healthy explains that lubricating and moisturizing creams can help lessen the symptoms of the condition, but it is difficult to treat fully.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is also known as cradle cap, especially when it occurs in infants. The condition can also occur in toddlers and is characterized by scaly patches on the scalp and face and in skin folds. The rash is usually yellow or sometimes salmon colored and tends to be greasy. The Mayo Clinic explains that treatment involves using medicated shampoos if the condition occurs on the scalp and antifungal and anti-itch creams when it appears on other parts of the body. A doctor may also prescribe steroid creams to treat the condition.
