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Boo-Boos, Bruises and Bumps

Common Skin Problems in Children

By Crystal Patriarche

 

What is the most common rash in preschool-aged children? "Diaper rash," says Allison. "Children react to perfumes in the diaper or soaps in their bath water or after they have had diarrhea, and then we see a lot of diaper rash."

 

"Sometimes we see yeast infection along with diaper rash," says Dr. Glick. "In that case it's important to keep the skin dry and use an over-the-counter ointment like Lotramin."

How can you tell when a rash is minor, like a heat rash, that will go away or a rash that is a serious reaction needing treatment? "Look for a rapid change in the child's health," says Dr. Glick. "Is the child wheezing, lethargic? Other symptoms are high fever, changes in consciousness or the child isn't urinating. In those cases, you should seek treatment immediately."

 

For Dr. Glick, the former president of the American Cancer Society in Mesa, Ariz., the single most common skin problem he sees in young children is sunburn. "Eighty percent of all skin cancer is caused by sunburns that occur before the age of 18," he says.

 

Dr. Glick recommends wearing protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, thick T-shirts and using waterproof sunblock every hour and a half with at least 15 SPF that also contains zinc or titanium dioxide. Brands like Vanicream can be found at the local drugstore.

If a child suffers a sunburn, Dr. Glick says to hydrate the skin, use Advil or baby aspirin and cool soaks.

 

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• Talk about it!

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