How to Protect Your Child From Fungal Infections, Contact Dermatitis and Etc,..

Most of the time the temperature in the Philippines is humid. When the school year starts, the kids were exposed to common skin problems and diseases. According to Ailza Limcangco, health issues and skin problems may intensify during the rainy season.

credit image: healthline

Common Health Problems in Children

• Fungal infections

Alipunga, hadhad, buni, and an-an are types of fungal infections. These commonly affect children. Symptoms include whitish spots, a scaly patch, or red, itchy rash. The fungus thrives in moist and warm environment.

Thus, children who love playing outside and sweat more are prone to fungal infections. Fungal infections appear in armpits, forehead, feet, and at the back.

• Viral infections

Viruses live when there’s a host that they need to reproduce. Dr. Limcangco said innfections that parents refer to doctors are viral in nature such as cold. The most common viral infections are molluscum contagiosum, warts, and chickenpox. These are contagious and can infect other children.

An infected person can transmit chickenpox through sneezing. Warts and molluscum contagiosum is acquired through direct skin contact. They can also get virus in public pools, and communal items.

• Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an itchy, red rash caused by an allergic reaction.  When the immune system responds to an irritant, contact dermatitis occurs. Some of the irritants include plants, antibiotics, detergents, or latex.

As your kids goes back to school, they are more susceptible to all kinds of allergens and irritants. Thus, discourage them to play with dust and chalk. Avoid prolong exposure to the sun.

• Eczema

Dermatitis or eczema covers a group of skin problems. This skin condition is sometimes scaly, itchy, and reddish. The wide range of allergens and irritants can trigger eczema. Some kids develop dermatitis when weather changed.

But in some cases, stress is another factor that trigger the occurrence of eczema in children. Kids who are suffering from skin asthma are also vulnerable to dermatitis.

• Insect bites

Insects may be tiny, but they can cause skin problems. Insects are present anywhere even in our homes or inside the classroom. This means that kids are always expose to insects and we don’t know which ones your kid has an allergic reaction. Insect bites particularly from dengue-carrying mosquitoes is dangerous. That’s why the Department of Health always gives warning to parents to be extra careful to insect bites.

The number of dengue cases in the country is increasing. That’s why parents should know the symptoms of dengue fever. The common symptoms include persistent fever and rashes throughout the body. Other signs include stomach pain and bleeding gums.

Anyone can get skin diseases, but children are the more vulnerable. Thus, it is essential to know some of the preventive measures. It should be a team effort between the school management and the parents.

credit image to vital record

Here’s how:

1. Teach your kids the importance of frequent hand washing and practicing proper hygiene. Sharing personal grooming items, towels, and soaps is not advisable. Refrain from walking barefoot especially in public places.
2. Taking shower after playing outside is a must. Let them wear cotton clothing can help to avoid fungal infections.
3. Encourage your children to wear long sleeves and pants during dengue season. Apply insect repellant and sunscreen to prevent skin infections.
4. The community and school should upkeep proper disposal of wastes. They should conduct regular fumigation. This will stop the growth of mosquitoes and other insects.
5. Make sure that your children received the required vaccination. This is the key to protect them from any health problems.