Common skin problems in children

A wide variety of medical conditions may cause your child’s skin to become inflamed, discoloured, irritated, swollen, itchy, or dry. Some of them may be dangerous, others are harmless. Find out more about some of the most common skin problems and how to treat them:

Dry skin

Dry skin is a very common skin condition and usually treatable by applying a rich moisturiser to the affected area. If the dryness persists, however, a visit to your local GP may be in order. Extremely dry skin could potentially be a sign of dermatitis, which results in dry, irritated patches or an itchy rash that tends to worsen if left untreated.

Acne

Acne can present as spots, blackheads, bumps, and pimples, on your child’s face, neck, or back, and occurs mostly during puberty when your child is going through hormonal changes. Mild versions of acne can typically be managed by encouraging your tween or teen to wash the affected areas with lukewarm water and mild soap twice a day and by not squeezing pimples or blackheads. If you’re worried about your child’s acne, speak to your pharmacist for an over-the-counter treatment cleanser, or to your doctor for stronger medication to help your child.

Rashes

Areas of skin with an abnormal colour or texture are signs of a rash. Rashes are often caused by an irritant, such as an insect bite, contact with certain plants, heat, or an allergic reaction. Rashes may also be the result of viruses such as chickenpox or measles.

Eczema

Eczema is a particularly common type of rash that leads to red, itchy, dry, and inflamed skin and is not contagious. Most children struggle with eczema and while it may be treated successfully by applying over-the-counter creams, long-lasting cases should be inspected by a doctor who will recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Ringworm

Despite the name, this itchy, red, and ring-shaped rash of tiny blisters is not actually caused by worms, but rather a fungus that grows on the skin and spreads out in rings. It’s frequently found on the scalp or body and is very contagious. To treat ringworm, your doctor will likely prescribe an antifungal medication that may come in the form of a cream, powder, shampoo, or pill.