Skin conditions can manifest in a myriad of ways, including dryness, itching, scaling, bumps, blisters, and sores. In particular, rashes are extremely common in children, explains Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesperson. "Many are harmless and will disappear without needing any specific treatment," she says.
But when might skin problems require input from your family doctor or dermatologist, and when might you just need a quick trip to the pharmacy? Here's what you need to know…
Impetigo – see your GP
Look out for open sores or blisters that can be suggestive of contagious skin diseases, such as chicken pox or impetigo, explains Dr Mahto. "Impetigo is a common, highly contagious skin condition seen in children," she says. "It can cause sores and blisters and usually improves in about seven days with treatment. There are two types of impetigo – bullous and nonbullous. Bullous impetigo usually affects the trunk and non-bullous impetigo affects the skin around the nose and mouth."
NetDoctor pharmacist Rita Ghelani recommends:
"Impetigo cannot be treated with any OTC medicines, it usually gets better without treatment within two to three weeks. However, as impetigo can be easily spread to other people and other parts of the body, it is a good idea to keep to the area clean and covered with a gauze dressing.Your GP may prescribe an antibiotic cream or a course of oral antibiotics."
Chicken pox – see your pharmacist
Common childhood skin infections, such as chicken pox, don't usually require medical intervention and the illness needs to run its course, and some skin problems just require a trip to your local pharmacy.
"To help ease the itching of chickenpox I would recommend an oral antihistamine, such as chlorophenamine (Piriton) and using aqueous calamine cream on the spots. Aqueous calamine cream is easier to use than calamine lotion as it has a thicker consistence, so can be applied more easily.
Mild eczema – see your pharmacist
Eczema is a chronic condition that affects about 1 in 5 children. It causes skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. This usually affects skin behind the knees, within the elbow creases, neck, eyes and ears.
"Mild, chronic skin conditions may be managed at home, e.g. mild eczema and dry skin," advises Dr Mahto. These skin complaints may simply require emollient therapies and soap substitute. "Fragranced products and soaps should ideally be avoided as they may aggravate dryness," she adds.
"With eczema the key message is to keep the skin moisturized. I would recommend using a good emollient such as E45 cream or Diprobase cream at least two or three times a day. I would also recommend switching to a soap substitute such as Oilatum shower gel or bath formula."
Persistent skin conditions – see your GP
Skin disease that leads to disruption of daily activities (e.g. impetigo, infected eczema, etc) should be addressed early, explains Dr Mahto. "Frequent itching, difficulty sleeping, tiredness and lack of interest in play and food may be important signs to assess severity."
If your child's skin condition is failing to settle after a few days, you are uncertain of the cause of the skin rash, or the condition is causing disruption of daily activities, it is time to see your GP for advice, she recommends.
If skin disease is severe or not improving despite maximal treatment with your GP then you are likely to need referral to a dermatologist. Dr Mahto adds:
"Skin disease can have a huge emotional impact on the sufferer and their family/carers. It is important to assess whether the skin condition is affecting daily activities such as sleep, play, and feeding. If these activities are being disrupted it is vital to let the treating doctor know. In some circumstances, it may be appropriate to seek help from a clinical psychologist or behavioural therapist."