Rashes, itching and spots are common in children. Let's find out what's behind them
Children's skin is delicate and often shows signs of what is happening inside, as well as outside. A pediatric skin problem consultation identifies the cause of a rash or skin trouble and gives you a simple care plan.
Is the skin problem linked to allergies? Hives, swelling or reactions after food or medicine may need an allergy review.
See Allergy Consultation →Most childhood skin problems are common and treatable
Nappy rash, heat rash, eczema, minor infections and viral rashes make up most of what we see. Many look alarming but are harmless. The consultation sorts out which ones need treatment, and which ones just need time and good skin care.
What a skin consultation covers
We look at the skin, and at the child.
The rash itself
Where it is, what it looks like, and how it has changed.
Fever and other symptoms
A rash with fever or illness points to a different set of causes.
Itching and dryness
How itchy it is, and how it affects sleep and mood.
Triggers
Soaps, detergents, heat, fabrics, foods and new products.
Infection and contact
Signs of infection, and exposure to others with skin problems.
Skin care routine
Bathing, moisturising and daily care that work for your child.
Get urgent help if a child with a rash
Don't wait for a routine appointment.
- Has a rash with fever and looks very unwell
- Has spots that don't fade when pressed
- Has swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or trouble breathing
- Has blisters, peeling skin or sores in the mouth or eyes
- Has a rapidly spreading red, hot, painful area
- Is very drowsy or irritable
- Is a newborn with a spreading rash or pus-filled spots
- Has a rash that began soon after a new medicine
The problems we see most often
Many are easy to manage once recognised.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Dry, itchy, red patches, often in skin folds.
Nappy and heat rash
Common in babies and easily helped by simple measures.
Skin infections
Bacterial, fungal and viral infections, such as impetigo, ringworm and scabies.
Viral rashes
Rashes that come with childhood viral illnesses.
What your child's visit includes
A conversation about the skin problem
When it began, where it is, how itchy it is, and what you have used.
A careful skin examination
A gentle look at the rash and the rest of the skin.
Looking for the cause
Triggers, infection, allergy or an underlying illness.
A clear treatment and skin-care plan
What to use, how, and for how long, in plain steps.
Follow-up and referral if needed
If a specialist's opinion would help, you'll be told why.
What to bring
Helping the doctor see the full picture
Photos of the rash over time
Rashes often change, so pictures from earlier help.
Products used on the skin
Soaps, creams, oils and detergents.
Medicines or foods before it started
Anything new in the last few days.
Family history
Eczema, asthma, allergies or skin problems.
Dr. K. Sushma
Dr. Sushma explains skin problems in plain language, and builds care routines that families can really keep up with.
Questions parents often ask
Some are, such as scabies, ringworm and impetigo, and others are not, such as eczema. Your doctor will tell you what applies and when your child can return to school.
Many children improve as they grow. Good skin care and trigger avoidance keep it under control in the meantime.
Please check before applying anything to a child's skin. Some products can irritate or make the problem worse.
Only when the history suggests a particular trigger. Many skin problems don't need tests.
A rash or skin problem worrying you?
Book a skin consultation with Dr. K. Sushma at our Pragathi Nagar clinic.
