Skin problems - rashes

Contents

• Some common skin problems
• What to do to stop the itch
• Dr Kim says
  

Everyone has problems with their skin at some time.
Some problems come and go very quickly, others tend to hang around until you do something about them. Sometimes you  need a trip to the doctor and some medication to help you to deal with them.

Some common skin problems

Rashes
There are lots of different things that can make you break out in a rash.

	Getting too hot (sweat rash).
	Diseases, eg german measles (have you been immunised?)
	Allergies (what have you been in contact with?)
	Acne (doesn't start until puberty or even later).
	Fungal infections eg tinea (itchy feet and toes).
	Head lice (scalp, behind ears and back of neck).
	Scabies (very itchy between toes, fingers, in places where your skin folds. Worse at night).
	Ringworm (not a worm really).
	Skin complaints eg eczema and dermatitis (dry flaky patches of skin).
	Hives (a 'travelling' rash which comes up in one place then another).
	Dry skin (skin gets dry when washed too much or damaged by sun or wind).
	Bites and stings (anywhere the little critters can get you).

Have you noticed that carrying or holding something in both hands causes you to have a dreadful itch on your nose or ear? I think it's your skin having a joke on you!

There are other causes but these are the most common causes of rashes.

Rashes are often really itchy and make you want to have a good old scratch. This is not a good idea as you could infect your skin with any germs you have on your fingers and under your fingernails.

What to do to stop the itch

	Stay cool by staying in a cool place and not wearing too many clothes.
	Have a cool bath if the rash is all over you, but don't use soap as it may irritate your skin more.
	Use cool, wet cloths over the itchy bit. If you double the cloth twice then soak it in cool water and wring it out then the coolness will last longer.
	Try using calamine lotion on the rash.
	Mum may give you a tablet to make you feel a bit more comfortable.
	You need to find out what is causing the rash and then follow the treatment for that problem

Dr Kim says

"Lots of rashes come and go very quickly. Your skin has been irritated by something and is letting you know about it."

We've collected this information to help you to understand important things about staying healthy and happy. However, if you feel sick or unhappy, it is important to tell your mum or dad, a teacher or another grown-up.