home Thyroid A 5 year old child has an itchy body. Itchy skin in a child - causes. Itching in a child: clinical definition of the problem

A 5 year old child has an itchy body. Itchy skin in a child - causes. Itching in a child: clinical definition of the problem

Children's skin is very sensitive and easily susceptible to a variety of external and internal influences. Most mothers and fathers know firsthand that a child itches. It is unlikely that the skin begins to itch due to the lack of water procedures - the discomfort is due to other reasons. To help your baby, you need to understand the factors that cause unpleasant sensations.

Itching can be local in nature, when a separate area of the body itches, or general - unpleasant sensations affect the entire surface of the skin. In this case, any changes may appear on the skin or it will remain completely clean. The causes of itching may be completely invisible and the baby’s condition confuses parents. So, what could be the irritating factor that makes a child scratch furiously?

Psychoneurological reasons

A neurosis-like excited state is one of the main answers to the question of why a child itches day and night. A turbulent atmosphere in the family, conflicts in a child care institution lead to increased excitability of the little person. The fragile psyche reacts to stress by releasing hormones that provoke itching. The child itches any part of the body or the entire surface of the skin. For example, one knee may itch or the surface of the back may itch.

In this situation there are no manifestations on the skin. The child is itching, but the skin is completely clean. There is no swelling, the surface remains of normal color, but it itches a lot and the child can scratch certain areas until it bleeds. Here you will need to visit a psychoneurologist who will develop a method for restoring the normal state of a small patient. Sedatives and calming physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed.

Chickenpox causes severe itching

Chicken pox is an acute infectious disease in which small blisters appear on the child’s body. The main thing during the course of the disease is not to let the sick baby comb them. Otherwise, small scars will remain at the site of scratching. The child's areas where there are watery rashes itch. To alleviate the condition, the doctor prescribes antihistamines, and to prevent the body from wasting vitality, vitamin complexes are prescribed.

Dyspeptic digestive disorders

If a child constantly itches in the anal area and in the perineal area, then perhaps indigestion has become an irritating factor. In this situation, the feces release large amounts of digestive enzymes that irritate the skin. Enzymes seem to begin to digest areas of the skin, which leads to severe irritation. Children with poor digestion have difficulty sleeping at night and are afraid to go to the toilet due to unpleasant sensations. You can relieve itching with soothing creams and ointments.

Allergic dermatoses

The effect of allergens on the baby’s body can be expressed by skin rashes, which are accompanied by severe itching. The most common allergens are diapers and laundry detergent. With external allergies, it is possible that a single itchy pimple will appear, or an entire area will be irritated. The child is itching a lot and is in a restless state.
Food allergies can affect both individual areas of the body and the entire surface of the skin. Itching can be general or local. The child's arms, legs, head, and torso itch. The reasons are as follows: the allergen affects internal receptors located in various parts of the body. The most common area is under the knees, on the elbow and stomach.

How to care for baby skin

If a child itches, then special measures are necessary to protect his skin and prevent itching from occurring again. To eliminate painful causes of itching and receive recommendations, you should consult a pediatrician or medical specialist. He will advise on caring for the entire surface of the skin. In cases where a child constantly itches a certain area of the body, then the main attention should be paid to it. So, if a child scratches his ears, he should inspect them daily and thoroughly clean them of wax. To do this, use ordinary cotton swabs, which are convenient to clean first one ear and then the other ear.

When your baby is prone to itching, you must adhere to the following rules:

Every day you need to apply a non-greasy cream to your entire body;
Detergents should be ph-neutral and not dry out the skin;
After water procedures, you should not rub your body with a towel - just blot your skin;
You should not bathe your child for a long time. A shower with water at a comfortable temperature is perfect for daily water procedures;
The room where the child sleeps should have a temperature of about 20 degrees.

Many parents will probably notice - why does the child have problems with itching, although we adhere to these recommendations? The question may also arise that the child’s skin is clean, but he is still itching.

In such cases, when it is impossible to determine the cause on your own, it is better to immediately go with the child to the clinic.

It is also necessary to monitor the little person’s diet and how and with what he goes to the toilet. If necessary, you need to adjust your diet, eliminate fatty and salty foods, and limit your sugar intake.

The choice of baby’s clothing also plays an important role. It is selected in such a way that the child would feel maximum comfort in it. The saying “Heat does not break bones” is absolutely inappropriate here. There is no need to remind you that a large amount of synthetics in clothing items is simply unacceptable.

If, despite all efforts, the child periodically begins to itch, then you should immediately go to the doctor. Research into the condition of the intestines and the presence of dysbacteriosis can only be done by a specialist. At home, you can talk with your child about his fears and the causes of the disorder. Remember that a comfortable and cozy home atmosphere is the best way to cure any illness in a child.

Allergic itching - reaction of the child's immune system to exposure to an allergen. Itching can occur in small areas of the skin, larger areas, or over the entire surface of the body, which causes the greatest suffering in the baby.

Allergic itching may occur upon contact with various allergens: food, chemicals, medications, insects, animal hair and many others. others. It is only possible to accurately determine the factor that provoked an allergic reaction using a special test.

There are a number of diseases that cause itchy skin in children:

Eczema is a disease characterized by an inflammatory process affecting a specific area of the skin (mainly the head, neck or joints).
– when the itching initially resembles tingling and tickling, after which it becomes pronounced, which leads to the baby scratching the skin.
– the appearance of papules in a specific place (in the mouth, nose, face, or neck).
– the appearance of tiny papules on pearl-colored skin. Often, itching appears in the most delicate places of the baby’s skin (between the fingers, in the groin area and under the armpits).
Itching of the scalp under the scalp. The cause of its occurrence is scaly lichen, fungal infections or lice.
Seborrheic eczema is mild itching in children under 3 months. The rash is observed on the head, groin, cheeks or behind the ears.

Allergic skin itching in children is caused by three main diseases:

– is the easiest type of allergy. Hives are characterized by itching and redness in the area of skin that is in direct contact with the allergen. The itching disappears immediately after contact with the irritant ends.
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction characterized by severe, prolonged itching at the site of exposure to the allergen.
– severe allergic itching throughout the body (most often on the cheeks), which is accompanied by redness and the appearance of bursting blisters.

Localization

Allergic itching can be localized in various places depending on the origin of the allergen and the area of skin that came into contact with it. For example, an allergy to a certain substance or an insect bite will manifest itself exactly in the place where the contact with the irritant occurred. If the allergen is shampoo or other personal hygiene product, itching will occur on the scalp and other areas. Dermatitis on the hands provokes itching, starting from the hand to the elbow.

Food allergies cause quickly spreading and intensifying itching throughout the child’s entire body, and the oral cavity is also affected. Allergies to medications can cause itching in your child's anus or genitals.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight allergic itching in the eyes, resulting from a reaction of the mucous membranes of the eyes to dust, animal hair, chemicals or cosmetics. Children who wear contact lenses may experience constant redness and watery eyes. Irritation disappears when they are removed and the eyes are washed with clean water.

Treatment

Hyperemia, swelling, itching and blisters, which, when bursting, become a convenient place for the development of harmful microorganisms - signs of prickly heat and diaper rash.

Diaper rash does not only occur in infancy. In a child of any age, under the influence of sweat and friction, irritation appears at the points of contact of skin surfaces or in the folds of the skin. They are often confused with prickly heat, which is not associated with mechanical damage to the skin, but is caused by staphylococci, streptococci or yeast fungi. They actively multiply on the child’s overly moist and warm skin, and the weak resistance of the child’s skin to bacteria allows prickly heat to spread throughout the body.

The thin skin of a child, densely permeated with capillaries, attracts mosquitoes, midges and other blood-sucking insects in the warm season. Their bites are difficult to confuse with anything else. And this cause of itching is one of the few when a visit to a specialist is not required.

You need to help calm the anxiety before the child scratches them, causing suppuration. This can be done using a cool lotion with a weak solution of soda or vinegar (1 teaspoon of one or the other per glass of boiled water). Despite the abundance of children's creams and gels that relieve swelling and irritation, it is better to use them after consulting a doctor, this also applies to antihistamines.

Burns left by plants often go away on their own, as, for example, marks from nettles; it is enough to soothe the itching with lotions or rubbing with cologne. But contact with more poisonous greens can be dangerous, causing, in addition to skin damage, poisoning of the child’s weak body.

Healing abrasions or scratches often itch, and children love to tear off the scabs from them. This should not be allowed so as not to cause infection of the wounds. The skin around the injury can be lubricated with moisturizing creams or lotions, the injuries themselves are treated with medications and protected with bandages.

Allergic reactions

In childhood, allergies are provoked by factors that would not cause harm to an already mature body. The cause of rashes in the form of urticaria or allergic dermatitis can be:

intolerance to certain foods;
medications;
plant pollen, dust, pet hair;
washing powder or clothes made of synthetic materials.

In addition to redness and flaky skin, they are usually accompanied by severe itching. Depending on the severity of the reaction, nodules, vesicles, brightly colored vascular spots appear, and there may be an increase in temperature and swelling of the mucous membranes.

Foods, medications, cold or heat can cause itchy, bright red or pink blistering rashes. This type of body reaction is called urticaria, and it usually goes away on its own after the allergen is removed.

Severe itching that precedes the appearance of a rash, peeling and dry skin is a sign of atopic dermatitis. This disease of an allergic nature is often hereditary and manifests itself when there are disorders in the body’s immune system. It can be caused by intolerance to any food, improper daily routine, even the mother’s lifestyle during pregnancy, hereditary predisposition and many other factors.

Itching accompanies a number of skin diseases: eczema, seborrhea, atopic dermatitis, bacterial infection, skin impetigo. This symptom is less pronounced in psoriasis and fungal infections (ringworm). A dermatologist treats skin diseases.

Itching in a child with herpes and chickenpox

Infections caused by the herpes virus (varicella, herpes simplex and herpes zoster) are accompanied by severe itching. Typical for them. Itching during infections is relieved with antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil, Claritin, etc.) and goes away after recovery from the disease and cleansing of the skin.

Itching in a child with diseases of the endocrine system, diseases of the liver, digestion, and metabolism.

Itchy skin accompanies diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function). If these diseases are suspected, it is necessary to check the child’s blood for sugar and hormones, and also visit an endocrinologist.

Liver diseases with jaundice are also often accompanied itching. The irritating factor is bilirubin, a bile pigment that enters the blood when bile stagnates in the hepatic ducts (cholestasis). Often cause of itching There are intestinal disorders, in particular constipation. At the same time, the absorption of harmful toxic products through the intestinal wall, formed during the digestion of food, increases. When there is stagnation in the intestines and the inability to remove them naturally with feces, the body releases toxins through the skin, which causes itching. In gout, the irritant that causes itching is uric acid, which accumulates in the tissues (usually in the joints). This disease is rare in children.

Treatment of itching in case of organ pathology, it consists of fighting the disease that caused it.

Helminthic infestation and giardiasis

Nervous disorder (“psychological” itch)

Sometimes a child begins to itch during moments of increased emotional stress, for example before a test or exam. This is not due to any disease, but only to the increased excitability of his nervous system. The child is prescribed sedatives, treatment by a pediatric neurologist or neuropsychiatrist, and psychotherapy. It is necessary to establish a calm emotional atmosphere, remove excessive loads from his work schedule, and normalize sleep and rest patterns.

Principles of treating itchy skin

Ointments, lotions, and fins that have an antipruritic effect are used externally. They contain menthol, anesthesin, novocaine, salicylic and camphor alcohol, diphenhydramine, tar, copper and zinc sulfates. Prescribing an ointment for skin diseases is a very important undertaking, since the chosen remedy should not only relieve itching, but also to speed up the resolution of the pathological process. The prescription of such a medicine must be entrusted to a dermatologist. The following remedies also have an antipruritic effect: table and apple cider vinegar (1-2 tablespoons of 3% vinegar per glass of water), lemon juice, chamomile and string infusions (brew 2 tablespoons with a glass of boiling water). Creams and ointments with hormones can only be used as prescribed by a doctor.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are widely used: ultraviolet irradiation, electrosleep, electrophoresis with bromine, magnesium and calcium, UHF therapy, magnetic therapy and others. Shown are baths with chamomile and string, starch, as well as sulfide, iodine-bromine and radon baths.

Internally, a child with severe itching is prescribed sedatives (valerian, motherwort, Persen, etc.), antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil, Claritin, Zyrtec, Erius, Fenistil, etc.). If itching caused by any disease of the internal organs, worms, insects (lice, scabies), etc., treat the corresponding pathology.

Itching in a child can be a sign of various diseases. The very fact of its presence is not considered dangerous; it only warns of a possible problem. Localization, strength, duration and accompanying signs in the form of rash and temperature will help determine the disease. This can be either a simple allergic reaction or more serious illnesses.

As soon as a child complains that a certain area of his body is itching, it is necessary to evaluate this symptom according to several criteria:

Where exactly is the itching located? It may be a specific area or limb, or the whole body may itch.
It is necessary to check for a rash in this area. Itching with or without rashes indicates different types of diseases.
Did the child develop a fever along with the itching? A high temperature indicates the onset of an inflammatory process in the body.

What can cause itching

If a child’s body itches without a rash, then we can assume one of

Child hygiene is the key to his health

the following reasons:

The most common cause in childhood is poor hygiene. This may include infrequent and careless washing of the body, hands, head, etc.
Allergic reaction to external irritants. These can be not only food allergens, but also fabric, detergent, pet, etc. Itching may be accompanied by a runny nose, cough, and sometimes even a skin rash.
The most serious cause of itching in a child is disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and systems. To identify such diseases, it is necessary to pay attention to the signs accompanying them.

Psychological causes of itching

Itching on the skin is not always associated with any disease or external influence. Sometimes a child's body itches without a rash due to a psychological disorder. Due to stressful, new, frightening situations or moments, neurodermatitis may appear. This is a psychosomatic disease that manifests itself without rash, fever or other external signs. When under stress, a child may begin to scratch a certain area of his body due to severe itching. Sometimes it itches so much that it can leave abrasions or blood.

In such situations, it is necessary to provide psychological assistance to the child: to create the most comfortable and calm atmosphere around him.

Infectious diseases

Very often, a child’s entire body itches due to infectious diseases. For example, it could be measles, chicken pox or shingles, rubella, etc. After the itching, a rash and red spots appear all over the body, which do not go away until the end of the disease. Usually the rash on the child’s body is itchy without fever, but sometimes it can rise. It is important not to let your child scratch the rash to avoid later scars on the skin.

Skin diseases accompanied by itching

Sometimes you may encounter the problem that a child’s rash itches without fever.

At the same time, its localization is very clear, and its appearance is non-standard.

If a child’s body itches, it is necessary to immediately determine the possible causes of the itching. Additional symptoms will help with this, as well as an analysis of previous situations in the child’s life.

In contact with

The skin protects the child's body from the negative effects of the environment. Itching is one of the signs of some childhood diseases. Sometimes parents notice that the child is itching and cannot play or sleep.

Itching in a baby is not always accompanied by the appearance of skin rashes. There are times when a child’s body itches, but not a single pimple or spot appears on the skin. Let's look at the possible reasons why a child itches and find out how to properly care for your baby's skin when itching.

Why is your baby itching: possible reasons

To eliminate the problem of itching and understand why your child is itching, you need to carefully observe his behavior. The reasons why a child’s body itches may lie on the surface. Most often, one of the following diseases manifests itself:

Diathesis is a disease associated with metabolic disorders as a result of intolerance to certain foods. With diathesis, redness appears on the skin, which becomes scaly and itchy.
Hives - pink and reddish blisters appear on the body, which are very itchy.
Dermatitis is redness of the skin, the appearance of a rash in the form of ulcers, blisters or red cracks.
Scabies is severe itching at night (the mite is active at this time). In the thickness of the skin you can notice scabies burrows - grayish or white winding, straight lines ranging in length from one millimeter to several centimeters.

If the child itches, but the mother does not see any changes in his skin, then perhaps the causes of the itching may be allergies, excessive sweating due to dry indoor air or wearing synthetic clothing, or stress.

Why does a child's butt itch?

If your baby's bottom itches, the reasons can be quite trivial. If your toddler wears diapers, they may rub the skin, causing itching.

Also, discomfort may be associated with dry skin on the butt. If a child's bottom itches, it is enough to lubricate the skin with baby cream. If your baby itches the anus, this may be due to the foods he ate the day before.

If your baby itches the area around the anus, it is advisable to have blood from a vein tested.

Why does a child scratch his head?

Itching in the scalp can occur in a child for various reasons. One of the most common reasons is contamination of the scalp. The pores become clogged with sweat residues, dust and secretions from the sebaceous glands. After washing your hair, the itching will disappear.

Allergy is another possible reason why a child scratches his head. Perhaps the parents introduced a new product to the baby’s diet, and the child’s body responds with an allergic reaction.

Pediculosis is the third reason that cannot be ignored. If the mother notices that the child is scratching his head, he needs to carefully examine the scalp and neck. If scratches and pustules are visible on the skin of the neck and head, it is advisable to call a pediatrician at home.

How to properly care for your baby's skin?

Children's skin is very delicate and sensitive. If your child itches, you need to protect the skin from scratches and scars, and also reduce the possibility of repeated itching. To prevent itching in your baby, you need to follow some rules for caring for his skin:

Apply baby cream to the baby's skin daily;
Use only PH-neutral and children's products. They will soften the skin and even prevent further itching.
Do not rub your skin dry after bathing, but simply pat it dry with a towel. Rubbing harshly will only irritate the skin, especially if your child is itching.
Don't bathe your baby every day, or at least don't leave him in the water for long periods of time. A shower is enough for children's skin.
The child should sleep at an air temperature of no more than 20 degrees Celsius.

Plus, if the child itches and has bouts of itching periodically, you need to make some changes, namely: 3.8 out of 5 (18 votes)

Many parents are faced with the problem of redness of the child’s skin. It is often accompanied by itching. Red spots do not pose a threat to the baby's life, but they cause discomfort, preventing them from sleeping at night and being actively awake. Children become capricious and irritable. You should not wait for the redness to go away on its own; you need to find out the cause of the rash, since sometimes they appear due to some disease.

Possible causes of itching and redness on the skin of children

Why does the rash appear? Redness and itching in a child can occur on a small area of skin (cheeks, neck, abdomen, back, arms, butt, skin folds) or cover the entire body. Sometimes they do not cause severe discomfort in the baby, but can be itchy. The rash can be in the form of red spots, plaques, papules (small bumps) and blisters. Let's take a closer look at the reasons for the appearance of redness.

Allergic reaction

An allergic reaction in the form of redness can occur to:

Food. It is necessary to properly introduce complementary foods to your baby, no more than one new product per week. In this case, you need to monitor the general condition of the child and his skin. It is not recommended to give sweets to children under 3 years of age.
Medications. The use of all medications must be agreed with the pediatrician.
Chemical substances. Powder residues after poor washing can cause redness on the skin.
Dust and pet hair.
Pollen and plant flowering.
Unnatural fabrics.
Exposure of skin to cold and sun.
Diapers.

Allergic reaction to food in the form of skin rashes on the cheeks of the baby

The rash can be local or generalized. In addition to red spots, itching and peeling of the skin appears. One of the most dangerous manifestations of an allergic reaction is Quincke's edema. It can cause suffocation and death of a child. If the rash persists for a long time and does not go away after avoiding contact with the allergen, you should consult a doctor.

Infectious diseases

Sometimes, the presence of itching, red spots or a small rash indicates the onset of an infectious disease:

Varicella (chickenpox). A disease that causes spots to appear on the face, arms, and armpits. Small red spots spread over the entire body over time; instead of a spot, a blister appears, which itches, then bursts and dries up. With chickenpox, there is an increase in body temperature and general weakness.
Measles. It is characterized by the appearance of cough, runny nose and fever at the very beginning of the disease. A small red rash appears on the body, affecting large areas of the skin.
Rubella - pink spots appear on the face, chest and back.
Scarlet fever. A disease manifested by a sore throat, elevated body temperature and red spots (most often on the face and armpits).

Chicken pox

Mental or neurological factors

The nervous system of children is not stable enough, so they are susceptible to itchy skin due to mental disorders. Often the baby’s skin remains clean, without visible redness and swelling, but the itching is obsessive; the child itches even in his sleep. It intensifies when the child is nervous; the baby can scratch the skin until there are abrasions and blood. If these symptoms are detected, it is necessary to show the child to a doctor, since such a pathology must be treated urgently. In the early stages, it is enough to protect the baby from stressful situations.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections such as lichen and dermatophytosis cause irritation of the skin and the appearance of red spots that constantly itch. The entire surface of the body or specific areas are affected. Most often they occur on the feet, scalp, and other parts of the body. Characterized by peeling and suppuration of the skin. They look like spots with bright contours.

Treatment of fungal infections is carried out with special drugs only after examination by a dermatologist.

Diaper rash

Diaper rash occurs due to poor hygiene. Most often observed in children under 1 year of age in the form of irritation in the inguinal folds, behind the ears, and on the neck. If not properly cared for, they can develop into blisters. Mild forms of diaper rash do not need to be treated with creams and ointments; it is necessary to temporarily abandon diapers, replacing them with diapers, wash the baby after each urination, and monitor the condition of skin folds by wiping them regularly. It is worth carrying out air baths more often. In severe forms, blisters appear that may burst. Open wounds easily become infected, and this can lead to serious complications.

Insect bites

The reaction to the bite of different insects may be different. When a mosquito bites, a blister appears on the skin, which itches severely even in sleep (see also:). Traces of it most often appear in the morning. They are characterized by the appearance of a small bruise in the center of redness. Scabies mites leave very itchy marks between the fingers and in the elbows. The most dangerous are bee and wasp stings. They cause swelling of the affected area. Insects leave a sting in it, which must be removed. The bite of these insects can cause a severe allergic reaction, so it is necessary to closely monitor the child's condition.

Other external reasons

Red spots often occur under the influence of external factors:

Prickly heat. In young children, the process of thermoregulation is not established - the sweat glands become clogged and do not allow moisture to evaporate from the surface of the skin. Miliaria manifests itself as red spots, and in severe forms there is an increase in body temperature.
Burns. A child can get burned when coming into contact with plants. Herbs such as hogweed and nettle leave burning marks on the skin, which cause pain and itching for the baby.
Injuries. As they heal, small scratches begin to itch. The child tears off the top layer of skin, which is dangerous for infection.

Child's skin reaction to mosquito bites

How to get rid of an unpleasant symptom?

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Parents' actions depending on the reasons that caused the spots and itching:

For insect bites, you can make a soda lotion. It is not recommended to use any medications without consulting a pediatrician.
In case of heat rash, it is necessary to carefully monitor the baby’s hygiene. The main rule is that the skin folds should be clean and dry.
In case of an allergic reaction, you need to protect your child from the allergen. You can take antihistamines according to the instructions for use and doctor's recommendations.
If your body temperature rises or other associated symptoms occur, you should call an ambulance.

Prevention of skin itching in children

To avoid skin irritation and itching, you must follow preventive measures:

eat a balanced diet to reduce the risk of developing food allergies;
maintain hygiene to prevent diaper rash and prickly heat;
stop wearing diapers regularly;
buy clothes made from natural fabrics, according to size;
organize frequent air baths;
carry out vaccinations in a timely manner to prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases.

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