Sunny days and starlit evenings spent playing, splashing and exploring can leave children more than warm summertime memories. Mild weather can also lead to itchy and irritated skin.
These rashes can be caused by things like sunlight, insects, sweating and a high temperature during the summer months - especially if they have allergies and / or pre-existing skin conditions. Babies are more likely to have a rash because their skin is often more sensitive.
There are several different types of rashes. Here's some of what can happen during the summer months.
Heat rash or prickly heat occurs when babies sweat excessively, resulting in clogged skin pores. Heavy clothing or baby packages often trap sweat under the skin, which in turn causes small red bumps to appear. If you notice that your baby is feeling uncomfortable or constantly scratching covered areas of the skin, then the cause may be heat rash. It's common to notice heat rash on the back, but it can also cause severe itching around the neck and chest.
It is a skin allergy caused by infections, insect bites and stings, or a reaction to drugs, and is characterized by clear, round bruises. Depending on the extent of the allergic reaction, hives can be localized as in the case of direct skin contact with the allergen, or on a large scale, in which the body becomes unable to tolerate the infection or ingested allergen. Use insect repellants, unscented soaps, and faded clothing when you are outdoors with your children to avoid attracting harmful insects. Although hives are harmless, your children may need antihistamines to soothe itchy skin.
Low humidity may lead to a chronic form of eczema known as atopic dermatitis that leaves the skin red, dry, and scaly. Strong fragrances and soaps can escalate skin irritation, so it is best to avoid them. Cover the affected area of your child's skin with breathable clothing and trim his nails to prevent him from scratching, as this may worsen the infection. Most importantly, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist or pediatrician to identify other triggers and recommend effective medications.
Children playing outside can come into contact with plants that irritate the skin such as poison oak or poison ivy. It can be very unfortunate if your child has an intense itchy skin that leads to a rash, swelling and blisters. Even worse, the leaves of the plant release chemicals that increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. To treat a rash, wash the plant's gel and chemicals from clothing and affected skin with soap and water. To reduce itching, 1% hydrocortisone cream can help relieve skin inflammation.
Unfortunately, the warm months bring with it mosquitoes and insects that are attracted to exposed areas of the skin. Insect bites usually cause a small area where the bite occurred. Sometimes, babies can have greater reactions to insect bites. Most of the time, the over-the-counter use of hydrocortisone and the use of an antihistamine such as Benadryl will provide relief. Always feel free to contact our office if there is any concern about what an insect / mosquito bite looks like!
To help prevent insect bites, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using an insecticide spray with 10-30% of DEET for children and infants 2 months and older. Insect repellants are not recommended for babies younger than 2 months old. It is always best to check your baby's skin at the end of the day for bites, ticks and other rashes during the warmer months.
Every hair on your body grows from an opening called a follicle. When follicles become infected, you develop folliculitis. Infected hair follicles look like pimples, but they tend to feel itchy and tender. To reduce the risk of developing folliculitis this summer: