health
Summer skin woes
Endless sunshine’ s all fun and games until rashes, bites and itchy heat bumps steal the spotlight. Learn how to shield, spot and soothe delicate baby skin this season so you can chase toddlers, not irritations.
Sandton.“ This results from a blockage of the eccrine sweat ducts and presents differently depending on the level of the blockage in the duct.”
Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, agrees, noting that it’ s one of several seasonal skin concerns caregivers should be on the lookout for.
“ During summer, common skin problems in babies and young children include heat rash, sunburn, insect bites and eczema flare-ups,” he says.“ While all are summer-related, prickly heat( heat rash) is caused by internal heat and sweat, while sunburn and bites are due to external exposure.”
Heat rash usually appears as tiny red or clear bumps on the neck, back, or in skin folds, wherever sweat gets trapped. It can look alarming but is typically harmless.
Sunshine, swimming and sandy toes: it’ s what summer dreams are made of. But for babies and toddlers, the warmer months can also bring an outbreak of less dreamy skin issues.
From heat rash to insect bites, summer is prime time for skin irritations in little ones. So how do you tell them apart and, more importantly, how do you treat or prevent them?
What’ s that rash?
First, the biggest summer offender: heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria. It’ s incredibly common in babies and often looks worse than it feels.
“ Heat rash is one of the most common summer conditions in babies and children, especially in hot and humid weather or climates,” explains Dr Denga Makhado, dermatologist at Mediclinic
Other rashes, however, might need medical attention.
“ Impetigo is a bacterial infection and will have sores with a golden crust, usually on the face,” says Dr Makhado.“ Ringworm is more localised, and allergic reactions have different patterns. A doctor should be consulted for any extensive rash, especially if your child is not well.”
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