Skin problems in children range from the expected---the occasional rash or insect bite---to the frightening. Most can be treated with topical solutions designed to stop an allergic reaction, kill a virus, or simply retain more moisture. Some conditions display remarkably similar symptoms; because it's often difficult to distinguish between eczema and psoriasis, for example, you should always take your child to a pediatrician for an official diagnosis.
Eczema
Eczema can refer to a number of conditions, including contact dermatitis and diaper rash. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's SkinCarePhysicians.com website, contact dermatitis stems from exposure to something that irritates the skin, either in small doses over long periods of time, as with laundry detergent, or all at once, as with exposure to poison ivy. Atopic dermatitis, which is what most people refer to as "eczema," happens when the skin fails as a barrier, allowing too much moisture to leave and too many germs or other unwanted particles to penetrate it. Affected areas become red, flaky, scaly and generally painful.
Seborhheic Dermatitis
In newborns and infants, this inflammatory skin disorder is sometimes called "cradle cap." The government's Medline Plus website notes that it causes crusty, scaly skin to accumulate on the scalp; colors range from yellow to brown. Although it usually affects newborns, children as old as three have been diagnosed. The condition isn't a result of genetics or poor hygiene or an allergy---it's not even contagious, they note. It is important to be careful that a child doesn't scratch enough to cause bleeding, which could result in an infection.
Skin Infections
According to Dr. Scott Norton of the Unformed Services University of the Health Sciences, an infection called impetigo is the most common skin infection for children. It forms small blisters and yellow crusts on the skin, usually around the head, neck or limbs. Norton notes that this infection usually heals without scars. Other childhood skin infections include ecthyma, a thick crust that forms on the shin, often seen in children at the site of insect bites. Folliculitis, an inflamed hair follicle topped with a whitehead, is also classified as an infection. Ringworm is a funal infection often seen in school-aged children who share hats, hair accessories or pillows; the fungus causes the skin to flake and scale, sometimes with the added nuisance of pustules.
Acne
Acne affects more than just teenagers. According to MayoClinic.com, baby acne is a common if untreatable condition caused by the mother's hormones during pregnancy. When a mother notices small red bumps on her baby's face, there's not much to do but wait for it to clear up on its own. MayoClinic.com notes that baby acne usually shows up within a baby's first month and should vanish within three months. If it doesn't, she should consider consulting a pediatrician.
Common Treatments
According to the Merck Manual, most skin conditions can be treated with topical drugs or dressings. The most common topical drugs include cleansers, moisturizers, drying agents such as astringents or talcum powder, anti-itch drugs, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, antifungals, tar-based products, and topical antibiotics.
