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What Is The Treatment For Extremely Itchy And Dry Skin In A Child?
The patient is a 6 year old girl. She was born prematurely (8 months). Almost from the time of her birth, she had been facing skin related problems. During Winter, her skin becomes very very rough. Whenever she goes to Kerala (or any place with high humidity), the skin becomes very normal. We have tried all possible treatment. Tried all three streams of medicine. Doctors usually say its dry skin and goes away when she grows up. They prescribe a few clinical ointments which do not alleviate the problem. During nights (usually winters) her skin starts itching so much so that while scratching her skin gets injured. Please suggest.
Thu, 16 Jan 2014
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
From your history, your daughter may be having ichthyosis vulgaris( an extreme form of dry skin) or a topic dermatitis ( a type of skin eczema associated with nasal allergies and/ or wheezing in self or family) . Both the conditions have a familial tendency and can be passed from parents/ grandparents to children.
Use a good cream based moisturiser every 3 hours.
Apply an oil like coconut oil or paraffin oil on damp skin within 3 minutes of bath to trap the moisture.
Give lukewarm water baths and avoid hot water.
Use a soap free cleanser like cetaphil cleansing lotion for bathing her and avoid harsh soaps. Use very minimal cleanser.
Avoid woolen fabrics and instead use 2 layers of cotton to keep her warm in winter.
Increase intake of oily fish.
Hope these help you.
Take care.
Welcome to healthcare magic.
From your history, your daughter may be having ichthyosis vulgaris( an extreme form of dry skin) or a topic dermatitis ( a type of skin eczema associated with nasal allergies and/ or wheezing in self or family) . Both the conditions have a familial tendency and can be passed from parents/ grandparents to children.
Use a good cream based moisturiser every 3 hours.
Apply an oil like coconut oil or paraffin oil on damp skin within 3 minutes of bath to trap the moisture.
Give lukewarm water baths and avoid hot water.
Use a soap free cleanser like cetaphil cleansing lotion for bathing her and avoid harsh soaps. Use very minimal cleanser.
Avoid woolen fabrics and instead use 2 layers of cotton to keep her warm in winter.
Increase intake of oily fish.
Hope these help you.
Take care.
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2 Doctors agree with this answer
User's Response
HI
Thank for asking to HCM
I can understand your problem You can use moisturising cream which should contains "Urea, Lactic acid, Paraffin (Liquid), Propylene glycol" these ingredient gives nice result, encourage the baby for drinking water, vitamin A containing diet would be helpful for baby, this will come around for sure, take care have nice baby.
Thank for asking to HCM
I can understand your problem You can use moisturising cream which should contains "Urea, Lactic acid, Paraffin (Liquid), Propylene glycol" these ingredient gives nice result, encourage the baby for drinking water, vitamin A containing diet would be helpful for baby, this will come around for sure, take care have nice baby.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
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