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Itching of the skin can be caused by many diseases, so it is most often necessary to consult a doctor. It is one of the most common symptoms in dermatological diseases. Usually, the cause of this condition is a harmless condition such as excessive dryness of the skin. How can I fix it? What other diseases cause itching?
The child is scratching – atopic dermatitis
The most common disease characterized by itching and dry skin is atopic dermatitis (AD). It belongs to inflammatory allergic skin diseases and results from an allergy to certain substances in the child’s environment. These can be food or inhalation allergens. Stress is of great importance, as it may exacerbate the clinical condition.
AD usually begins in early childhood. The course of the disease is long-term. The basis of atopic dermatitis is genetic, it is associated with a malfunction of the immune system and a defect in the epidermis. The protective barrier fails, so the skin is constantly exposed to dryness and irritation. Improper care preparations, sweat, allergenic allergens can be factors that exacerbate the disease. The sick also do not tolerate woolen clothes. Type skin changes and their location depends on the patient’s age and the intensity of the inflammatory process.
The acute phase of the disease is revealed by erythematous foci with papules, vesicles and erosions. Chronic condition is the occurrence of foci with thickened skin and lichenization, that is, increased skin lines. By the end of the second year of life, skin lesions appear as irregular foci and are present on the skin of the face – cheeks, forehead and scalp. In addition, changes may also appear on the distal parts of the limbs, on the trunk, in joint flexions. In later age, between the ages of 2 and 3, the most numerous changes are observed in the area of articular flexions. The oldest children usually have the backs of their hands occupied, just like adults.
The doctor makes the diagnosis based on the clinical picture and medical history. The diagnostic criteria of Hanifin and Rajka are used. Additionally, in children after 4 years of age, it is performed skin prick tests to confirm the allergic background of the disease. Treatment depends on the patient’s age and the severity of the lesions. Avoid allergenic factors and take care of the child’s skin. It is necessary to moisturize and lubricate it with emollients, the application should take place 3-4 times a day, even in the asymptomatic period. There are also bath lotions specially designed for children with AD.
If there are papules or lichenization on the skin, you will need to use anti-inflammatory preparations, most often steroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Antihistamines will help fight persistent itching, and some of them will have a calming effect and make it easier to fall asleep. In more severe cases, phototherapy (ultraviolet rays) and desensitization are also used. Atopic dermatitis may recur, even after a long asymptomatic period, and may persist even beyond adolescence.
The child is scratching – allergy
Allergy is a very common cause of skin itching. If a child scratches in certain situations, e.g. after contact with an animal, after a walk, or after eating a meal, it is necessary to see an allergy diagnosis. After finding the causative agent, eliminate it from the child’s environment, use antihistamines or desensitize it.
- Check: Children’s allergology – what causes an allergy?
The child is scratching himself – parasites
Parasites can also be another cause of itching. Scabies is an infectious disease caused by dust mites. Infection occurs through direct contact with a sick person. The main symptoms are intense itching of the skin, intensifying at night, red rash, the presence of burrows and tunnels cut by the parasite in the skin. The lesions most often appear on the hands, in the soft folds of the skin, on the buttocks and in the genital area. Additionally, in children, changes may appear on the surface of the feet and on the scalp. Scabies are treated pharmacologically, the therapy covers all relatives of the patient.
The child is scratching – dry skin
If the child has no other skin and general symptoms, and he only experiences severe itching of the skin, it is worth using moisturizing and lubricating preparations. These substances are called emollients. They bring relief from itching ailments, rebuild the skin’s protective barrier and moisturize it properly. Excessive dry skin is a common phenomenon in the youngest.
Other diseases that make your child scratchy
Pruritus may also be caused by such internal diseases as chronic renal failure, cholestasis, haematopoietic diseases – polycythemia vera, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, endocrine and metabolic disorders. Neuropathic pruritus occurs in brain tumors, in herpes zoster. There are also drug-induced and psychogenic pruritus. However, these causes are very rare in children. However, any persistent itching should be consulted with a doctor.