A wide range of conditions result in skin irritations in children. Rashes, lesions and inflammation can result from immune disorders, allergies, insect bites, disease or infection. Treatment for children's skin irritations depends on the diagnosis. Children should see a pediatrician or dermatologist when home remedies, such as lotion, baths and other home remedies, don't relieve the symptoms.
Types
The most common type of skin irritation in children is due to a condition called atopic dermatitis, or eczema. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, atopic dermatitis affects nearly 10 to 20 percent of children and is extremely itchy. Children scratch the itch, causing additional symptoms that include redness, swelling and oozing. Contact dermatitis occurs when children come in contact with an irritant, such as chemicals, urine or rough fabric. Allergies, sunburns and bacteria also can cause skin irritations.
Time Frame
Many skin irritations go away in time by keeping the area clean and moisturized. Infantile eczema usually disappears by the time a baby is 2 years old, especially when the disorder appears in infancy. Other forms of eczema can continue into adolescence, when the skin irritations tend to appear on the knees and elbows. As they age, adolescents with eczema have fewer outbreaks that most often appear on the hands.
Effects
Skin irritations may result from underlying conditions that cause the effects of itchiness, swelling and redness on the skin. For example, cellulitis is an infection sometimes seen in children with asthma or sinusitis. Children with a rash near their eyes may have ocular cellulitis that can lead to vision problems and blindness.
Warning
An untreated staph infection can lead to perianal cellulitis, commonly seen in children around the age of 4, and also presents with bloody stools and renal pain in addition to the red rash and itchiness. Impetigo is often mispronounced as infant tego because of its prevalence among young children, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The skin rashes usually appear in clusters and should be treated as a medical emergency to prevent spread of the disease.
Prevention
Parents should check children for unusual skin irritations for signs of serious infections. Treated early, many staph infections in children respond to a round of antibiotics, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Children should be taught to wash their hands often and not to touch other children who have open wounds.
