Children's Skin Conditions
Babies and toddlers can develop a few unique skin problems that require special, extra-gentle care.
Diaper Rash
The bane of many a baby's bottom, diaper rash is most often caused by contact with soiled diapers (or a reaction to baby wipes or laundry detergent). It's a very common condition that can leave a baby's skin red, scaly, and very tender.
Talc, the key ingredient in baby powder, has been a classic in American nurseries for generations. But talcum powder has been linked to respiratory problems and even cancer. Safer standins: dried and powdered formulations of the herbs arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) or rice (Oryza sativa), or the dried, starchy component of corn (Zea mays).
A case of diaper rash that lasts for more than three days and includes areas of raised red bumps and a series of small red patches extending out beyond the main rash could be the sign of an infection with Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus.
Dermatitis
Babies are prone to a few types of dermatitis (skin inflammation). Infantile seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, is a nonallergic condition that produces thick, scaly patches on a baby's scalp. (In adults, it's called dandruff.) It's triggered by hormones passed from the mother, which cause the baby's scalp to produce too much sebum (oil), and usually clears on its own.
Atopic dermatitis, or infant eczema, appears at six to twelve weeks as a rash or patch of small pimples on the cheeks or chest and sometimes the elbows and knees.
Treatment Options
Conventional remedies for diaper rash include topical zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, which can cause allergic reactions. Candida infections might be treated with antifungals like clotrimazole (Mycelex) or nystatin (Mycostatin), which can cause skin reactions in some people.
Doctors generally advise parents to leave a case of cradle cap alone. Infant eczema is typically treated with hydrocortisone creams and ointments, which control itching but can cause skin reactions as more serious side effects if used long term or applied excessively.
Eczema is caused by an immune system reaction that isn't fully understood. It can appear in infancy and then disappear. Or, it can recur throughout childhood and into adulthood (in some people, it doesn't appear until age four or five; in others, it starts in the adult years). In most babies, eczema resolves itself by age two.
Herbal alternatives include these:
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) |
Calendula is an anti-inflammatory that can soothe and heal many rashes. |
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) |
This is a classic remedy for all kinds of skin inflammation, including diaper rash. New research shows that it's also effective against Candida albicans.' |
• Rice bran (Oryza sativa) |
Rice-or more specifically, its outer husk, or bran-has been used topically to treat a variety of inflammatory skin problems. Research has shown that adding a decoction of rice bran to a child's bath can relieve atopic dermatitis. Oats (Avena sativa) are also effective in anti-itch baths. |
