Skin problems are no longer limited to adults. There is a noticeable rise in skin issues among children, ranging from mild rashes to chronic conditions that affect daily life. While many parents consider skin problems harmless or temporary, delayed treatment can worsen the condition and cause long-term discomfort. With changing lifestyles, environmental factors, and increased exposure to allergens, children’s skin has become more sensitive than ever before. Timely management of these skin issues can help the child to improve the quality of life. Parents shouldn’t self-treat the infections and follow the expert’s guidelines.Skin problems are becoming rampant in children. “There is a surge in skin infections that can be concerning for parents. I see around 50-60 children monthly aged 0-12 yrs with various skin conditions having conditions such as eczema, allergic rashes, fungal and bacterial infections, acne in teenagers, and heat-related rashes. Urban living, pollution, allergies, poor nutrition, weak skin barriers, climate changes, excessive sweating, poor hygiene habits, and frequent use of harsh soaps and cosmetics are contributing factors. Excessive screen time and reduced outdoor activity can also affect overall skin health. In some cases, genetic factors play a role, especially in conditions like eczema. Even school-going children are developing skin conditions that were earlier seen mostly in adults. Hand -foot-and-mouth disease can also be seen in children, causing fever, sores in the mouth, and rashes on the hands and feet. Fungal infections such as ringworm (tinea) and candidal rashes, along with bacterial infections like impetigo and folliculitis, are increasingly common among children. Timely treatment is essential to prevent spread, scarring, and repeat infections. Skin problems in children often begin with itching, redness, dryness, rashes, scaling, or small bumps. Some children complain of burning or pain, while others may develop patches that ooze or crust over. In older children, repeated scratching can cause dark marks or thickened skin. Persistent itching or recurring rashes should never be ignored,” said Dr. Anish Pillai, Lead Consultant- Neonatology and Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Mumbai.Dr. Avi Sanghavi, Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai said, “Children today are exposed to several environmental triggers that can impact their skin. The child can experience eczema, recurrent rashes, and fungal and bacterial infections due to various factors such as pollution, sweat, allergens, and frequent contact with contaminated surfaces in schools and playgrounds. Monthly, 30-35 children visit to me belonging to the age group of 0–12 age group with problems like eczema, allergic rashes, fungal and bacterial infections, acne in teenagers, and heat-related rashes and are advised timely care. Parents should be observant of any unusual changes such as persistent itching, redness, or patches on the skin Hence, parents should report. Early consultation with a specialist helps in identifying the exact cause and starting appropriate treatment. Simple steps like maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring children wear breathable clothing, and keeping their skin well moisturised can go a long way in preventing many common skin conditions.”Dr Anish Pillai added, “If skin issues are not treated on time, they can lead to secondary infections, scarring, sleep disturbances, and emotional stress. Children may feel embarrassed, anxious, or uncomfortable in social settings, affecting their confidence and school performance. The skin conditions tend to worsen because parents wait too long before seeking medical advice. A child’s skin is delicate and reacts quickly to infections, allergens, and environmental changes. Simple measures such as gentle skincare as advised by the doctor, avoiding self-medication, and following a doctor’s advice can make a huge difference in a child’s comfort and overall well-being. Keep a child’s skin clean and dry, use mild soaps, and avoid sharing towels or clothes to reduce the risk of infections. Parents should seek medical advice early instead of using home remedies or over-the-counter creams. Each type of skin problem will need different appearance by the doctor. The child should adhere to the skincare routine as designed by the doctor for managing skin problems. Parents are encouraged to consult a specialist early rather than rely on home remedies, helping children stay comfortable, confident, and healthy.”
