Often, parents of newborns and older babies are faced with problems of inflammatory processes of the skin. It can be eczema, rashes, redness, which are accompanied not only by an unpleasant appearance, but also cause discomfort to the child. The article discusses the types of dermatitis in children, their symptoms and treatment methods. There is also a diet for babies who are at risk.
Why does dermatitis appear, and who is at risk
Dermatologists and pediatricians note that inflammatory skin reactions are found in almost half of the patients who applied. Most often these are infants.
There is dermatitis on the face of the child, on the limbs, abdomen, back and inguinal region. It can be accompanied by dry skin, itching, a variety of rashes, increased sensitivity of inflamed areas and many other symptoms. They are characteristic for each type of dermatitis and will be described in more detail below.
Children at risk:
- premature babies with weakened immunity;
- children after infectious diseases;
- children after antibiotic treatment;
- children with dysbiosis, lactose intolerance;
- children with a hereditary predisposition to allergies;
- past infectious diseases of the mother during pregnancy;
- children experiencing a violation of the hygiene of the newborn.
The causes of dermatitis in children can be divided into:
- Reactions to biological factors, that is, allergens of different types. For example, pollen, animal hair, food, dust and the like.
- Reactions to physical factors. For example, changes in weather conditions, hot or cold season.
- Reactions to chemical components. For example, powders, detergents, hygiene products.
As a rule, dermatitis appears in children of the first year of life. Their primary appearance in preschool and school ages is a rarity. Usually, an onset of an allergic reaction in infancy recurs later.
If a child older than three years has skin diseases, then the doctor pays attention to other disorders of the body. For example, gastritis, dysbiosis, fungal infections of the nails, previous viral diseases, weight and height of the child. The ratio of general development factors, examination and appointment of tests is the action of each doctor when a patient seeks help.
Diagnosis of the disease
The appearance of dermatitis in the hands of a child, on the legs, face and other parts of the body is the reason for the urgent appeal of parents to a pediatrician. The doctor will conduct an objective assessment of the condition of the child, collect an anamnesis and prescribe an additional examination:
- expert advice: pediatric dermatologist, allergist-immunologist, and in some cases an infectious disease specialist;
- laboratory examinations: general tests of blood, urine, feces on eggs of parasites, coprogram;
- blood test for total IgE, specific IgE and IgG;
- if a secondary infection is detected - a smear test for bacteria;
- scraping to confirm the fungus.
Specialists of a narrower profile - allergists, can prescribe additional tests after receiving an initial examination. When all the results are obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes therapy.
Treatment of dermatitis in children is carried out comprehensively. General rules include:
- allergen exclusion;
- taking antihistamines;
- the use of local ointments;
- intake of vitamin complexes;
- reception of sorbents and enzymes;
- in severe cases, glucocorticoids are prescribed.
In the treatment of each type of dermatitis, it is important to comply with all the recommendations and features that the doctor will prescribe. Only in this case a successful solution to the problem is guaranteed.
Seborrheic dermatitis
In children, dermatitis of the scalp occurs in about 10%. Usually, it ceases around the age of 4. Inflammation manifests itself in the area of hair growth, but sometimes it can go to other parts of the body: armpits, inguinal region, neck.
The causative agent is a fungus - Malassezia furfur.
If dermatitis occurs, itching or a burning sensation may be absent. With improper skin care of the child and untimely hygiene procedures, discomfort increases.
Symptoms of dermatitis in a child:
- there is a greasy plaque on the baby's head;
- later a characteristic yellowish crust forms;
- the crust condenses and disappears over time.
Doctors do not recommend tearing off or soaking off the formed crust. Instead, a wound can form that can be infected.
For successful treatment of the disease, it is recommended:
- immediate appeal to the pediatrician;
- use an antifungal shampoo prescribed by a doctor;
- clean the crusts only after discussing the procedure with the attending doctor;
- ensure timely hygiene procedures;
- apply a cream with zinc in the composition to accelerate healing.
Usually, treatment lasts no more than 3 weeks under the supervision of a pediatrician.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that is caused by exposure to external factors. As a rule, it is not an independent disease and can accompany a person all his life. It is allergic in nature and this type of dermatitis is manifested in children up to a year.
The causes of the occurrence are the result of the immaturity of the digestive system of the child. Localization of the process is the face, elbows, knees.
The peculiarity of the disease is a rash with manifestations in different parts of the body, which can disappear when it goes out into the cold and is clearly manifested at high air temperatures. The course of the disease passes in waves - it either spills brightly on the skin, or then turns pale. Most often, the first signs of this condition appear in infancy during the period of complementary feeding or when mother uses “aggressive” foods.
The main symptoms are:
- the appearance of diaper rash in the inguinal folds and on the folds of the upper or lower extremities;
- the appearance of general dry skin, crusts on the scalp;
- symmetrical skin lesions, as well as itching.
But, despite the fact that in children atopic dermatitis is not considered a disease, its appearance cannot be ignored.
Treatment of dermatitis in children is:
- The exception of the allergen that caused the pathology.
- Selection of the "right" clothes for the child. It should be made from natural fabrics. Synthetics are unacceptable, especially in the hot season.
- Careful selection of detergents. It is best not to wash baby clothes with powder. The best solution is a laundry soap. Particular attention must be paid to the fact that adult clothing should not come in contact with a child’s clothing.
- Baby bathing in boiled water.
- Mandatory cleanliness of toys and facilities. Wet at least once a day. It is necessary to remove all the carpets, as well as get rid of excess textiles (rugs, sofa wraps). If there is fungus on the walls, it is contraindicated for the child to be in such a room.
- Dieting.
Atopic dermatitis in children is classified as a chronic condition. It is not possible to get rid of him forever. But, if you adhere to the recommendations, you can significantly reduce the manifestations of the inflammatory process.
Diaper dermatitis in children
Most often, babies in the first year of life have problems with the skin in the groin area. The reason may be improper skin care, and lack of hygiene. Such a disease is quite common and it is better to consult a doctor for advice on its treatment.
Symptoms of dermatitis:
- redness of the skin in the groin, thighs;
- inflammation in places where there was contact with the diaper;
- the skin turns bright red;
- wet bubbles and peeling appear.
- In advanced cases, purulent wounds that have an unpleasant odor may appear.
Treatment of diaper dermatitis in children includes such measures:
- Avoid prolonged stay in a wet diaper, and especially in a diaper.
- To choose clothes taking into account all requirements.
- After the act of urination and defecation, it is necessary to thoroughly wash all the folds with a soap solution in the child.
- Daily baths can help prevent dermatitis. After them, it is recommended to leave the child for several minutes without clothes.
- Use only quality diapers that are tested in use.
Following all the rules for caring for a child, parents will not encounter problems with diaper rash on children's skin. The kid will feel comfortable.
Candidiasis Dermatitis
Candidiasis dermatitis in infants and older children is characterized by damage to the body by a fungus of the genus Candida. You can get it through household items or daily necessities. Children with reduced immunity are especially susceptible. Because under normal circumstances, the body is able to withstand the fungus.
The development of the disease occurs in such cases:
- inadequate hygiene;
- prolonged stay of the child in the diaper;
- high ambient temperature (especially in summer);
- complication of antibiotic treatment;
- hereditary predisposition.
The disease has the following symptoms:
- rashes appear on the skin;
- severe redness, especially in the groin, buttocks, skin folds;
- if untreated, wounds form at the sites of redness;
- the affected area is painful;
- the child feels discomfort, behaves irritably, restlessly, does not tolerate touching the reddened areas.
It is worth noting that the disease manifests itself mainly in places where the skin comes in contact with diapers, diapers, and wet clothes. When manifested in other areas, for example, behind the ear, on the cheeks, this may indicate to the doctor a different disease.
For diagnosis, scraping of the affected tissue is used and sowing is performed.
Dermatitis treatment includes:
- applying greenback in the initial stages of redness;
- the use of antifungal drugs and ointments;
- the use of antibiotics in the form of ointments.
If treatment is started on time, then the improvement occurs on the 4th-5th day of therapy.
There are cases when candidal dermatitis manifests itself in an absolutely healthy child. This means that the balance of acidity and alkalinity is upset. In this case, additional examinations of the digestive tract.
Contact dermatitis
This type of disease refers to allergic complications. Dermatitis on the face of a child, on the arms, legs or other parts of the body is manifested in case of skin contact (friction) with an irritant. Sometimes it’s not enough just to remove the allergen. Skin inflammation must be treated under medical supervision.
The main symptoms of pathology:
- rashes, peeling and redness in a certain place;
- itching and pain in the affected area;
- lack of sensitivity with direct pressure on the affected area.
Contact dermatitis does not apply to the entire body of the child and does not affect the functioning of internal organs. It appears, for example, due to friction of rough seams on the skin of the baby, with prolonged exposure to the sun or in the form of a reaction to hygiene products. It is noted that the disease often occurs in the winter.
The development of dermatitis has several stages:
- Erythremal. Redness and swelling of the skin area appears.
- Vesicular-painful. Pustules appear, and when they break, ulcers form. Usually occurs in the absence of treatment in the first stage.
- Necrotic. Ulcers turn into scabs. After this process, scar tissue forms.
Contact dermatitis can be acute or chronic. The second type is manifested in a repeated reaction of the skin to an irritant.
Treatment for the disease includes:
- exclusion of contact with a stimulus;
- the use of ointment, cream or gel to relieve inflammation;
- the use of hormonal ointments (as prescribed by the doctor) to moisturize the skin, relieve pain and block the development of pathology;
- the use of camphor 10-15% with ichthyol and warm baths, which will help reduce itching;
- the doctor may prescribe herbal medicines, compresses with potatoes, carrots, cabbage or honey.
Viral dermatitis
Such a disease is not independent, but acts as a symptom of infection. Often occurs with scarlet fever, chickenpox, measles, or typhoid fever.
Dermatitis appears on any part of the body and has the following symptoms:
- spots appear first on the skin of the face and move to new parts of the body every day;
- spots peel off, itch and cause discomfort to the child.
Treatment for this type of dermatitis in children includes:
- Elimination of local symptoms with ointments, antiseptics. Treatment of external manifestations is useless without eliminating the infection within the body.
- Elimination of the source of infectious disease with the help of antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs, glucocorticosteroids.
There are no preventative measures for this type of dermatitis. It is worth adhering to the general rules: observing child hygiene, diet, limiting contact with sick children, conducting timely treatment for infectious diseases.
Diet for dermatitis in children
Since dermatitis is allergic, food products are often allergens or exacerbate the course of the disease. Before starting treatment, the doctor must pay parents attention to dieting.
It is recommended to exclude the use of products:
- seafood, caviar;
- fruits and vegetables of bright colors (red and orange);
- from whole milk and soy;
- wheat in any form;
- beekeeping;
- eggs, nuts and sweets;
- adults should give up alcohol (with lactation).
Recommended by:
- drink more liquid, namely non-carbonated clean water;
- add bran to dishes;
- replace flour products with whole grains;
- eat more fresh vegetables, which include coarse fiber;
- organize apple days to clean the digestive tract.
Allowed to use:
- green apples and pears;
- fresh kefir and yogurt on a live basis;
- vegetable oils;
- foods containing B vitamins: liver, greens and lean meat;
- foods rich in vitamin E: seeds, onions, cabbage;
- products with zinc in the composition: pumpkin, cereals, brewer's yeast;
- soups from vegetables.
The diet for dermatitis in an infant is based on the proper nutrition of the mother. She should exclude from the diet: chocolate and chocolate products, citrus fruits, smoked meats, sweets, products with artificial colors.
The diet of a nursing mother should include:
- white and green vegetables;
- fruits are green and yellow;
- gluten-free cereals - buckwheat, rice, corn;
- lean meat;
- white fish;
- dairy products without filler;
- marmalade, dry cookies, marshmallows, drying are allowed.
Prevention
Nowadays, dermatitis in children is not a rare phenomenon. This disease is the response of the skin to various irritants.
We can distinguish such recommendations to parents for the prevention of dermatitis in a child:
- Mom is obliged to think about the health of her future baby long before his birth - from the first days of pregnancy, register with the antenatal clinic in order to promptly identify any deviations.
- When breastfeeding, as well as during the period of bearing a child, a good nutrition is necessary with the exception of products that cause allergies. When mixed or artificial feeding, you need to very carefully approach the choice of mixture in accordance with the sensitivity of the child to food additives.
- In addition, for the prevention of childhood dermatitis, quality hygiene and the careful selection of cosmetic cleansers that do not contain chemicals based on natural ingredients are extremely important. Their assortment, fortunately or not, is now huge, you need to approach the issue of the composition of the drug extremely responsibly.
- If the child is prone to allergic reactions, it is recommended to exclude things from synthetic materials.
- Follow a diet and carefully introduce new foods into the baby’s diet. This applies not only to babies up to a year, but also to older children.
- Children up to a year are advised not to wrap up and more often take air baths.
- To increase the immunity of the child by hardening and long-term walks in the fresh air (only with the well-being of the baby).
Since dermatitis in children is not uncommon, doctors strongly recommend that preventive measures be taken not only for children at risk, but also for absolutely healthy boys and girls. The implementation of such simple rules is the key to the health of the baby.