Baby-Soft Skin is Also More Sensitive
We’ve all heard the old cliche “baby-soft skin.” In fact, adults will put in a lot of work to achieve similarly soft, supple and flawless skin as they age. But as enviable as baby-soft skin may seem, it can cause some problems for young children. Children’s skin is about 30% thinner than that of adults, making it more sensitive to irritation. Contact dermatitis—a fancy name for an adverse skin reaction—is very common in children. Contact dermatitis is typically not cause for alarm, but you may want to consult a dermatologist for a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
What Is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by exposure to a skin irritant or allergen. It usually appears within hours of contact and can persist for several weeks. These rashes are not contagious and they can happen to any kid. However, children who already struggle with eczema are at an increased risk for developing contact dermatitis.
Children’s skin tends to be more reactive to common allergens. This is both because their immune systems aren’t fully developed and because their skin is thinner. Thinner skin is more prone to moisture loss, and dry skin is more easily irritated. When skin is irritated, the immune system responds by releasing defense chemicals. These chemicals in turn cause the symptoms of contact dermatitis. Symptoms you may witness if your child develops contact dermatitis include:
Inflammation
Red, burning or itchy skin
Dry, cracked or peeling skin
Bleeding, oozing or draining
All of these symptoms are simply the body’s attempt to fight off the allergen or irritant. But this overreaction to a likely harmless substance can be annoying and uncomfortable, especially for young kids.
Common Irritants to Avoid
Ironically, many of the products that parents use to keep their home clean and their child safe may trigger contact dermatitis. Heavily perfumed products, including fabric softeners, detergents, soaps, and lotions, can cause allergic reactions in children with sensitive skin. Reactions tend to be more severe when a substance comes into direct contact with the skin. An aerosol air freshener is probably less risky, for example, than fragranced baby wipes.
When possible, parents hoping to spare their children a bout of contact dermatitis should search for unscented or hypoallergenic products. You can also replace some cleaning products with simple soap and water.
Other common irritants that may cause an allergic reaction in children include:
Wool, synthetic fibers, or “wrinkle-resistant” clothing, which is made with formaldehyde
Dirty diapers or saliva
Latex from rubber toys, pacifiers, gloves or bandages
Certain metals found in belt buckles, zippers, snaps and hooks on clothing.
Extreme temperatures
How to Treat Contact Dermatitis
The good news is that treatment for this commonplace skin reaction is fairly straightforward. First, you should wash your child’s skin thoroughly with soap and water. Cold compresses on the skin can reduce swelling, itching and burning. Wet dressings on any areas where skin is oozing or bleeding can help the skin heal properly.
Applying a corticosteroid or ointment to the affected area can help alleviate some symptoms, such as itching. Steroid creams can be either prescription-grade or purchased over-the-counter. You should ask your dermatologist for recommendations about the most appropriate treatment.
Antihistamine medication combats allergic reactions triggered by your body’s immune system. They may be helpful in treating contact dermatitis. The most important way to alleviate your child’s discomfort is by discussing the best course of action with a dermatologist.
At New River Dermatology, rashes are one of the conditions that we most commonly encounter. If your child is struggling with contact dermatitis, make an appointment today and we can help you navigate mitigation and treatment options.