Doctor: Young child's skin problems usually easy, affordable to treat
8:05 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2008
A baby's skin is supposed to be soft and smooth, but in reality pediatrician Mathew Avram says most little ones are prone to all kinds of rashes and conditions.
"At birth, a child's skin is 40 percent thinner than adult skin ,and when you have thinner skin, your skin is more susceptible to you having complications," Avram said.
Complications can be as basic as a diaper rash or cradle cap.
"What it represents is a greasy scaling on the scalp that can descend to the forehead and around the eyes," he said.
Avram says it is easy to treat.
"The best thing to do is gentle soap and water, maybe a little mineral oil on the scalp with a very, gentle, soft toothbrush to wipe away some of that greasy scaly material," he said.
Avram explains eczema is another common skin condition affecting one in five children. He tells parents moisture is the key to treatment.
"Taking short, lukewarm baths and then within three minutes after the child is out of the bath, putting ointments on," he said.
The ointment adds moisture and creates a barrier to protect the child's skin.
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