Some children are especially prone to developing rashes that lead to skin redness and irritation. If your little one has developed a chronic rash, you’ll want to be aware of the possible causes so that you can seek the right type of treatment. Here are four possible causes of chronic rashes among children.
Ringworm
This type of fungal infection usually appears as a round-shaped infection on the skin that grows bigger if left untreated. Tiny fungal organisms known as dermatophytes can feast on dead skin and cause this type of rash. Clothing, bedding, and linens that have dermatophytes on them can spread ringworm to your child. Pets that come into contact with ringworm through the soil may also spread the infection to your child. Prescription topical medications are available to treat ringworm. While not something you want to leave untreated, ringworm is simple to treat and should have no lasting effects on your child once cleared.
Atopic Dermatitis
Both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of atopic dermatitis disease in children. Inflamed, blistering rashes along with oozing patches of infected skin are often seen with this condition. Rashes may form suddenly and disappear on their own before reappearing. In between flareups, you may also notice that certain areas of your child’s skin appear thicker and dryer and are more prone to itchiness. Prescription topical medications and immunosuppressive therapy are often effective in treating atopic dermatitis symptoms, but limiting exposure to skin irritants can also help prevent breakouts.
Scabies
Sarcoptes scabiei, which is a microscopic mite the burrows into the skin, can cause scabies infections that often show as rashes in wavy patterns. You may notice these rashes on your child’s wrist and in between the fingers, and the rash can also spread to the armpits. Scabies is a condition that’s known to cause a lot of skin itchiness and may be especially irritating for young people. Prescription cream and antibiotic ointment can be applied to the skin to treat the condition, but it’s also important to wash all clothes, bedding, and linens in your home to prevent reinfection.
Diaper Rash
Even diaper rash can become a chronic condition among some babies and toddlers who are still in diapers, or older children who wear pull-ups to bed. Wet diapers that aren’t changed frequently enough can cause chronic diaper rash, but your child could be allergic to the dyes or other chemicals in the diapers. A yeast infection may also be the reason why your child’s diaper rash is persisting. Keeping your little one as dry as possible and changing their diapers often can help clear up diaper rash, but you may need to use hydrocortisone, antifungal or antibiotic cream to treat the condition if it becomes chronic.
Finding the exact cause of your child’s rash will allow you to take faster action to treat the condition. Your little one will be much happier and more comfortable in his or her skin once the unpleasant symptoms of the rash have been alleviated. While not every rash indicates a serious condition, every rash that lasts longer than a day should be identified and treated to prevent infection.