Children are not little adults. Therefore, their health problems may present itself and affect the children differently. Among other, skin inflammation may pose some confusion to parents are they figure out how to differentiate between different types of inflammation.

Here are some points that you may use to distinguish between eczema, skin allergy and rashes among children.

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is multifactorial, but mostly caused due to genetic predisposition. Look out for a family history in eczema. When children have parents or siblings who have eczema, the risk of getting this skin condition is higher.

The onset of eczema is anytime, but especially when the infant is between 1 to 3 months old. Eczema is usually recurrent, in which the rashes get better then reappear soon after. As an eczema rash is itchy, treatment is usually needed for this condition. In mild cases, moisturisers suffice to treat the condition. However, in severe cases, a topical steroid cream or ointment may be needed.

A skin allergy can be acknowledged if the onset of the rash is after exposure to an allergen, which causes the allergic reaction. The reaction may occur within minutes, or between 4 to 6 hours after the exposure. Allergens are usually substances or foods that trigger an allergic reaction.

An allergic skin reaction usually presents with an itchy rash, sometimes accompanied by other symptoms of allergy, such as the swelling of the lips or the eyes. The child may also experience breathing difficulties as a result of the allergies. Common culprits of an allergic reaction are seafoods and peanuts.

A heat rash appears after exposure to heat or sweat. However, it usually disappears after a cool environment is provided to the child, such as the wearing of loose clothing or introducing air-conditioning to the child. A heat rash typically does not necessitate treatment, as deteriorating symptoms are usually attributed to other illness.

It is useful to remember that in most cases, skin conditions such as eczema, skin allergy or even heat rash, can be managed, controlled and monitored when done correctly and under expert supervision. It does not hurt to take your child to the general practitioner (GP), or to specialists in this area, such as a Paediatrician (specialist in children’s healthcare), a Paediatrics Dermatologist (specialist in children’s skin diseases) or even a nutritionist or dietitian, as foods can be a source to these problems.

This article was contributed by Dr Yamuna Ramadas, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Yamuna Ramadas at her clinic, click here.