Many children will get a rash at some point in their life. Scalp rashes are very common. These rashes are usually not life-threatening but can become a nuisance until the problem is resolved. If your child has a rash, you should see your doctor because most rashes are easily treated.
Types of Rashes
Eczema refers to many different skin conditions in which the skin becomes irritated and red. According to Kids Health, one in every ten children develop eczema. Symptoms usually appear within the first few months of life and almost always before the child turns five. Children between 2 and 6 months of age usually develop the eczema rash on their cheeks, forehead or scalp.
Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection causing itchy, bald-looking red patches on the scalp. It is very common in toddlers and school-age children. This rash starts in patches and slowly expands. The scalp may be tender or painful.
Causes
Children who get eczema usually have family members with hay fever, allergies or asthma. According to Kids Health, experts believe the characteristics are passed on from the parents through genes that make a child more likely to get eczema.
Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious fungal infection. It can be spread from direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected child. Other causes of ringworm of the scalp include coming in contact with an object on a surface that an infected person has touched such as clothing, towels, combs or brushes. Some children may get this infection by grooming or petting an animal infected with ringworm.
Risk Factors
Children are at a higher risk of developing eczema. This condition is common among toddlers and school-age children but normally goes away by the time the child becomes a teenager.
Risk factors for children contracting ringworm of the scalp include being in school or other child care centers with close physical contact and exposure to pets with ringworm. Other factors include poor hygiene and living in overcrowded conditions.
Treatment
Treatment for eczema includes a topical corticosteroid to be applied directly to the affected areas twice per day. Your child should also avoid hot baths, scented soaps and excessive scrubbing. You should keep your child's fingernails short to minimize any skin damage from scratching.
Treatment for ringworm of the scalp includes medication prescribed by your doctor. This medication can come as a liquid or tablet called griseofulvin or an oral granule named terbinafine hydrochloride. These medications need to be taken for up to six weeks. Your doctor may also recommend washing your child's hair with a medicated shampoo containing selenium sulfide to kill the ringworm spores and prevent it from spreading to other children or other areas of your child's body.
Prevention
According to Kids Health, scientists believe eczema is inherited, therefore you cannot prevent your child from getting it. Some triggers make eczema worse so avoiding pollen, mold and dust may prevent flare-ups. Also, your child should avoid harsh soaps and detergents, which allow skin to become too dry and sweaty.
According to MayoClinic.com, ringworm is difficult to prevent because the fungus is contagious before the signs and symptoms appear. Your child can reduce her risk by shampooing regularly, washing hands often, avoiding infected animals and not sharing clothing, hairbrushes and other personal items.
