Protect Your Child’s Skin From Irritants
If your child has itchy skin but you don’t think the reaction is severe enough to require a trip to the doctor, apply a topical anti-itch lotion that contains menthol, Fusco suggests. “Keep the lotion in the refrigerator so you can apply it cool. It will be more soothing to kids’ skin,” she says. If that doesn’t work, she suggests trying some over-the-counter 0.5% hydrocortisone cream.
You can often prevent children’s skin problems simply by avoiding known household skin irritants or by following some of the tips provided above. However, some situations may require your pediatrician’s expertise.
“If you have an active rash, you may need medication to heal it,” Stein says. Contact your child’s health care professional if any of the following occurs:
Protect Your Child’s Skin From Irritants
Chill the Itch
If your child has itchy skin but you don’t think the reaction is severe enough to require a trip to the doctor, apply a topical anti-itch lotion that contains menthol, Fusco suggests. “Keep the lotion in the refrigerator so you can apply it cool. It will be more soothing to kids’ skin,” she says. If that doesn’t work, she suggests trying some over-the-counter 0.5% hydrocortisone cream.
When to Call Your Health Care Provider
You can often prevent children’s skin problems simply by avoiding known household skin irritants or by following some of the tips provided above. However, some situations may require your pediatrician’s expertise.
“If you have an active rash, you may need medication to heal it,” Stein says. Contact your child’s health care professional if any of the following occurs:
- Your child develops a fever or evidence of an infection, such as redness, blisters, yellow crusting or oozing of fluid.
- The rash is severe and does not respond to home treatment.
- Your child’s rash spreads, or he or she develops another rash.
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