The causes of pruritus in a child are many, conditionally they can be divided into four large groups. This is bad hygiene, allergies, skin diseases and stress. Treatment should be directed not only at the symptoms, but primarily at the root cause.

Adults often do not pay attention to their own diseases, but the health of children always causes heightened anxiety. Sometimes an itch in a child is accompanied by a rash and redness, sometimes there are no visible signs of anxiety. And the cause of the prevalence of this symptom lies in the characteristics of children's skin.

Features of children's skin

The skin of children, especially in infancy, is very different in its structure from the skin of an adult. The stratum corneum on it is much thinner, contact with a physical or chemical irritant that does not cause harm at an older age provokes a pronounced reaction in the child.

Any infection spreads quickly due to the abundance of blood vessels and the weak connection between the epidermis and the dermis. A number of closely located sweat glands begin to function fully only by 6–7 years old, and the sebaceous glands, on the contrary, are too active, so children more quickly overheat or overheat due to poorly developed thermoregulation of the skin, from which moisture evaporates quickly.

It all explains hypersensitivity  children's skin to environmental factors that can cause irritation, rash, peeling and itching.

The most common causes

The reasons for which itch a child can be divided into 4 subgroups:

As with adults, the baby’s skin may itch when various diseases internal organs: diabetes, hyperthyroidism, dysfunction digestive tract  or liver.

Dirty skin

Due to their physiological characteristics, children's skin requires special care, especially in infancy. Often the appearance of itching and dermatitis groin area  in a baby, due to contact with its own urine, which in the first months of life is rather concentrated and irritates delicate skin.

Itching and redness of the skin, the appearance of bubbles and diaper rash at the points of contact with diapers indicate the beginning of diaper dermatitis. Without the intervention of a microbial infection, you can get rid of it by ensuring hygiene. Contact with the damaged surfaces of microorganisms requires treatment with drugs.

Hyperemia, swelling, itching and vesicles that, when bursting, become a convenient place for the development of harmful microorganisms are signs of prickly heat and diaper rash.

Diaper rash does not occur only in infancy. A child of any age under the influence of sweat and friction in the areas of contact of the skin surfaces or in the folds of the skin irritation. They are often confused with prickly heat, which is not related to mechanical damage  skin, and is caused by staphylococci, streptococci, or yeast. They actively proliferate on the baby’s too moist and warm skin, and the weak resistance of the baby’s skin to bacteria allows it to spread throughout the body.

The thin skin of a child, densely penetrated by capillaries, attracts mosquitoes, midges and other blood-sucking insects in the warm season. Their bites are hard to confuse with anything else. And such a reason for itching is one of the few when you do not need to see a specialist.

It is necessary to help relieve anxiety before the child combs them, causing suppuration. This can be done using cool lotions with a weak solution of soda or vinegar (1 teaspoonful of one or the other per cup of boiled water). Despite the abundance of children's creams and gels that relieve swelling and irritation, it is better to use them after consulting a doctor, this also applies to antihistamine drugs.

The burns left by plants often pass by themselves, such as, for example, traces of nettle, it is enough just to relieve the itch with lotions or rubbing with cologne. But contact with more poisonous greens can be dangerous, causing, in addition to skin lesions, poisoning the weak body of the child.

Healing abrasions or scratches often itch, and children love to tear off crusts. This should not be allowed so as not to cause infection of the wounds. The skin around the damage can be smeared with moisturizing creams or lotions, the injuries themselves are treated with drugs, protected with bandages.

Allergic reactions

AT childhood  allergies are triggered by those factors that would not harm the already mature body. The cause of rash in the form of urticaria or allergic dermatitis may be:

• intolerance to some products;
• medications;
• plant pollen, dust, pet hair;
• washing powder or clothes made of synthetic materials.

In addition to redness and flaky skin, they are usually accompanied by severe itching. Depending on the severity of the reaction, nodules, blisters, vascular spots of bright color appear, the temperature may increase and swelling of the mucous membranes.

Food, medication, cold or heat can cause itchy rashes in the form of blisters of bright red or pink colour. This kind of body reaction is called urticaria, and it usually passes on its own after the allergen has been removed.

Severe itching, preceding the appearance of rash, peeling and dryness of the skin is a sign of atopic dermatitis. This disease of an allergic nature is often hereditary and manifests itself with violations in immune system  organism. It can cause intolerance to any food, the wrong mode of the day, even the lifestyle of the mother during pregnancy, hereditary predisposition and many other factors.

Usually, atopic dermatitis appears at a very early age. This is popularly called diathesis. AT acute stage  redness and bumps on the skin join to itching, in the stage of calm, the formation of plaques of dry skin on the bends of the legs and elbows is possible.

Skin diseases

Skin diseases occurring in adults are transmitted to children. Most of them, for example, seborrhea or eczema, changing the surface of the skin inflammatory processAnxious child severe itching. With psoriasis or fungal infection, this symptom is not so pronounced.

Skin rashes can be contagious. With the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) or herpes virus, the child becomes covered with characteristic bubbles with a clear liquid. Children try to calm down the itching caused by them, combing disturbing places, which is fraught with complications, because damaged skin easily takes the bacteria that cause suppuration. Symptomatic treatment does not benefit without the treatment of the underlying disease, but it can not be abandoned so as not to cause inflammation of scratches and ugly scars after their healing.

Neurological causes of itching

Emotional or intellectual stress in a child with increased excitability of the nervous system can cause itching. The reason may be fear, anxiety before the exam or unwillingness to go to kindergarten. Soothing agents, psychotherapy and other means prescribed by a child psycho-neurologist or neuropathologist will help to cope with a stressful situation. The daily regimen, reduction of loads, calm atmosphere in the family will significantly enhance the therapeutic effect.

Prevention of pruritus in children

The basis of prevention is hygiene and special care for the skin of the child, taking into account its features at different ages.

The clothes of the child should be sewn from natural materials, it is better to avoid wool, which causes itching and adults. Things should not hamper movement and fit the body too tightly.

To protect against mosquitoes or midges, use children's repellents that are always on sale. Avoid feeding children with spicy or too salty foods, foods that often cause allergic reactions. If you are prone to such reactions, use hypoallergenic washing powders  and eliminate contact with possible allergens.

Do not let children comb their annoying irritations, do not torment them with long unpleasant sensations  and contact pediatricians or dermatologists in time, without waiting for the complicated forms of the disease.

Rash and itching on baby’s skin  should not be ignored. Almost every parent raising small children faces an itchy rash. The rash can be localized on a small area of ​​the skin, and cover the entire body.

Itching brings a lot of anxiety to the child, especially if the rash covers a large surface of the body.

Itchy rashes may look like this:

In the form of spots, when the area of ​​the skin becomes red, white or bluish color;

In the form of a plaque, when the formation rises above the skin, if the plaque is large in size and has a clear pattern, it is called lichenization;

In the form of a papule, which is represented by a small tubercle without a cavity inside, the papule can be felt;

In the form of pustules, when purulent contents are found in the confined cavity;

In the form of vesicles - education on the skin with a liquid inside, if the vesicle exceeds the size of 50 mm, it is called a bubble.

Parents should be aware that the dermal integuments of the child are different from the skin of an adult. The horny layer in children is much thinner, which increases the number of possible irritations as a result of physical or chemical exposure. However, the cause of the itch can be an infection that will spread much faster due to the subcutaneous capillaries and the weak connections between the dermis and the epidermis.

In childhood, the sebaceous and sweat glands function inferiorly, which makes the thermoregulation system unstable.

Causes of Itching in Children

External factors leading to itching

External factors that cause itching in children include:

Insufficient intimate hygiene. In the groin area, itching and redness may occur due to constant contact with urine. As a result, children develop atopic dermatitis. See also:. This problem is especially relevant for infancy, although diaper rash may also appear in older children. Diaper rash often occurs due to the irritating effect of sweat in places of increased friction of the skin, in its folds. They are accompanied by itching, blistering, swelling and hyperemia of the skin;

It is important to be able to distinguish diaper rash from prickly heat, which also occurs at a younger age, but it is caused by staphylococci, streptococci and fungi, which are always present on the skin of a child. They begin to multiply under the influence of provoking factors, such as overheating, excessive humidity, etc. Itching will accompany prickly heat in advanced cases, and the skin becomes edematous, an increase in body temperature may occur;

Traces of insect bites are often considered by parents as symptoms of a skin or other disease. Almost every bite is accompanied by redness and itchy skin. This occurs due to the reaction of the child's body to toxins, as well as the result of a mechanical injury. Although sometimes it is actually possible infection through the resulting wound or its transfer to the insect carrier. When mosquitoes bite on the skin, a red blister first appears, then a papule or an itchy bladder forms, accompanied by swelling and redness. The bite of bedbugs produces papules that itch all the time. If you look closely, you can see a small bruise in the center of the papule. New formations appear more often after a night rest. When biting wasps and bees, the resulting edema always hurts and turns red, and inside there is a bee sting that needs to be removed. That bee stings most often cause angioedema and urticaria, which occurs with a tendency to allergic reactions. When bites of scabby mites, the child will form red papules and strokes, which itch very much. Scabies mites affect the interdigital spaces, elbow bends, genitals, etc .;

Burns that leave the plants, can cause a child to strong anxiety in the form of itching, burning, pain and rash on the skin. In this regard, the danger is hogweed, scion, and nettle;

Scratch injuries to a child often begin to itch as they heal. In connection with the resulting discomfort, children comb the injured place and tear off the crusts that form. This is dangerous because it increases the risk of infection in an unhealed wound.

Allergic reactions that cause skin rash and itching in children

It is children who are the most exposed to allergic agents. Allergic rashes can occur if you are intolerant to any food or drugs. Forms of rashes can be very diverse, they can cover both the whole body and its individual sections. When contact with the allergen rash and itching intensify, after excluding the provoking factor from the daily use of the child, the discomfort disappears. Sometimes itching is not accompanied by a rash.

The most serious danger is an allergic reaction in the form of angioedema. It occurs rarely and can have serious consequences, including asphyxiation. A rash and swelling in a child lasts a long time. In this case, emergency medical care is required.

Itchy red or hot pink blisters are manifestations of urticaria. It can occur when exposure to the skin of cold and sun, and not just with ingestion of the allergen.

Pollen of plants, indoor dust, animal dander, chemicals that make up hygiene products, laundry detergents, textiles, etc. are capable of causing an allergic reaction.

Neurodermatitis

This disease is also called atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. The disease affects every 10th child, but children do not always have the full complex of symptoms: bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis  and eczema.

During the development of this disease, the child begins to be disturbed by pronounced itching, a rash appears on the cheeks, on the folds of the arms and legs. The rash has the appearance of papules, when combing them, liquid contents are released. As you go through the acute period skin rashes  start to peel off, itching subsides.

Diseases as causes of itching and rash in a child

Chickenpox. This disease is characterized by fever in the child, the appearance of itchy rashes. Children may complain of headache and abdominal pain. The rash covers the whole body. Initially, red spots appear, which are subsequently filled with fluid. Then the bubbles become covered with a crust, which after a time depart.

Measles. In this disease, the rash is accompanied by a slight itching of the skin. At the same time, body temperature rises, and serious complications from internal organs may develop.

Rubella is accompanied by a pale pink rash and mild itching.

Lime scab, pediculosis, fungal lesions of the skin, seborrheic eczema- All these factors can cause itchy scalp. Seborrheic eczema is more often diagnosed in children under the age of three months. The rash is localized under the hair, behind the ears, in the groin area. Lice infestation usually occurs at an older age, when the circle of contacts of the child expands. As for fungal lesions, they have the appearance of outlined bright red spots. Hair on these sites or do not grow, or very short. Treatment is prescribed exclusively by a dermatologist.

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Itching in the anus of a child - what does this mean?

Often younger children suffer from. As a result, microcracks are formed around the anus, which cause itching.

If itching is caused by insect bites (we are talking about mosquitoes and midges), then a visit to the doctor is not required. To reduce itching, you need to make a cool lotion with a weak solution of soda and water. Decongestants creams, gels and antihistamines can be used only after consulting a pediatrician.

If itching and skin rashes are caused by plant burns, it is necessary to give the child Suprastin, Tavegil, Zirtek or another antihistamine drug in the appropriate age dosage. After that, the child needs to be shown to the doctor, as sometimes blistering and local application  antibiotic therapy.

If the child has itchy itchingthen it is necessary to eliminate the factor that provoked it. To do this, you need to organize proper hygienic care of the skin of the child, it is important to exclude overheating and damage to the skin. It is possible to use baths with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After the bath, talc with zinc content is applied to the baby’s skin, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, pediatricians may recommend the application of zinc ointment  or ointment Bepanten. The main condition for the treatment of prickly heat is ensuring cleanliness and dryness of the skin, with the exception of overheating.

If itching was provoked allergic reaction , first of all it is necessary to prevent the further contact of the child with the allergen. The baby needs abundant drinking, which will allow the allergens to be removed from the body faster. It is preferable to use second-generation allergy medications, among which are: Zodak, Zyrtec, Cetrin, Erius, Claritin. It is possible to assign enterosorbents, such as Polysorb, Enterosgel, Polyphepanum, etc. Quincke’s edema requires immediate cessation of contact with the allergen, taking an antihistamine and calling for emergency medical care.

To reduce the severity of itching in atopic dermatitisIt is necessary to minimize the contact of the child with water. The fabric of which the child’s clothes and bedding are made should be soft. Integuments  It is necessary to treat with emolenta, that is, creams that have a pronounced moisturizing effect. The use of hormonal ointments is possible only after consulting a doctor. They are prescribed for severe itching.

Reduce itching with chickenpox  by taking antihistamines, as well as by applying special gels and creams (Fenistil gel, Viferon, Acyclovir, Gistan, Iricar, etc.). Perhaps the appointment of a child of sedative drugs, which can only recommend a doctor.

To prevent the development of itching caused by rubella or measles, it is necessary to undergo a routine vaccination against these diseases.

What if a child has rash, itching and fever?

When a child has skin rashes that are accompanied by itching and fever, you should immediately seek medical help.

It is possible that a similar reaction of the body due to serious diseases:

• Rubella;

  Chicken pox;

  Scarlet fever and others

Only a specialist can determine the exact cause of such a condition and prescribe adequate treatment.