Common Skin Conditions in Kids and Teenagers
What skin problems are children susceptible to? And when should you consult a doctor? Experts explain
28 April 2020
For most parents, two primary questions come to mind when they start thinking about their child’s skincare...
When should I bring my child to the dermatologist? What skin problems are they susceptible to?
If you suspect your child has developed any skin issues or disease, don't hesitate to plan a visit to a dermatologist. In fact, experts at Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin & Laser Center recommend that parents bring their children to a dermatologist screening between the ages of 10 to 15 years old.
Why? Because in these early teenage years, children may begin to battle acne, which provides a prime opportunity for an initial skin screening.
The Dubai-based center specialises in Paediatric Dermatology, and their team can help treat skin conditions experienced by infants, toddlers, and teenagers.
As well as acne, here's a list of the most common skin issues for children and teenagers...
Common Skin Issues for Kids and Teens
Acne, also known as Acne Vulgaris, is one of the most common skin conditions. While it may occur at any age, most often it is present in teenagers and young adults.
While the exact cause remains a mystery, research has revealed four key-players such excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation that can play a major role in its formation.
One of the center's goals is not only to help teenagers treat acne but to prevent the scarring that may come from it. Scarring is much more difficult to treat than it is to prevent. Acne is a frustrating skin disease and it takes time and patience using treatments to see improvements.
Eczema is a skin disease that is sometimes also called Atopic Dermatitis.
The first sign of Atopic Dermatitis tends to be patches of dry or red, itchy skin, and scratching the skin damages its surface and can worsen the rash.
It commonly appears in childhood and can last into adulthood. A dermatologist can often diagnose Atopic Dermatitis by looking at the child’s skin. The dermatologist will look closely at the dry, scaly patches and/or rash. Children may need a prescription to control the inflammation that comes with this skin condition.
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin disease that causes small pink or skin-colored bumps on your child’s skin. It is not harmful and usually does not have any other symptoms. The virus is inside the bumps and is mildly contagious.
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus called the poxvirus. It is very common in children and adolescents.
Warts are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin.
Children and teens are more prone to getting a wart virus because it is quite easy to catch a virus when you have a cut or scrape on your skin. Warts can spread from person-to-person or from touching something that another person’s wart touched (like a towel).
A person with warts can also spread them from one place on the body to another. In many cases, warts take a few months to grow large enough to see. In children, warts often go away without treatment; however, a board-certified dermatologist should treat warts that hurt, bother the child, or quickly multiply.
Allergic contact rashes is inflamed skin that occurs when allergy-causing substances touch the skin.
In children who are sensitive to them, the allergens cause a skin reaction. If you notice red, itchy, dry skin on your child that doesn’t fade in a few weeks, talk to your dermatologist about the best treatment.
Beyond visiting the dermatologist, it’s important to keep preventing sun damage every day on your child. We know sun protection for kids isn’t as easy as it sounds, but do your best. Apply sunscreen regularly and contact your dermatologist if your child has a rash or other skin symptom that doesn’t clear.
Otherwise, wait until middle school and bring them in when their acne flares. It’s the perfect time to start teaching great skincare habits that will last a lifetime. Take care about your child's skin, they will be thankful for it.
About Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin & Laser Centre
With the capability and expertise of our professional European and US trained team, you can receive the treatment that’s best for you and your family within an exquisite new clinic exhibiting the most modern aspects of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine.
Simply press click to contact to book an appointment at the centre today.
