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"Dermatitis" refers to an inflammation of the skin and is often a term used to signify a rash. Atopic, seborrheic, and contact dermatitis are the rashes most prevalent in infants; other types of rashes occur more often in school-age children.
Atopic Dermatitis
Also known as childhood eczema, atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting 10% of children. Affected children will exhibit dry, itchy skin with eruptions. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. The most important treatment is rehydration of the skin. Urea, alpha-hydroxy acid, and lactic acid preparations have been shown to soften and moisturize dry skin. A new nonosteroial medication called tacrolimus is currently being used to successfully treat atopic dermatitis. Tacrolimus appears to cause fewer cutaneous side effects in patients, and produces little or no risk of systemic toxicity.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
In adults, seborrheic dermatitis is synonymous with dandruff, but in infants it is referred to as "cradle cap". Sebaceous glands on the infant's scalp begin producing too much oil. This leads to thick, greasy, yellowish scales beginning to develop. One recommended compound used to treat cradle cap is 2% salicylic acid in alcohol and olive oil. A suspension can also be made from 5% salicylic acid with silica gel if alcohol is not desired. This treatment allows for the scales to be loosened up and removed easily.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs as a reaction to something that has touched the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis are the two types, with diaper rash being the most common. Prevention of diaper rash involves keeping the skin clean and dry, increasing the frequency of diaper changes, and using superabsorbant diapers. Various compounds are available for the treatment of diaper dermatitis. One such example is 1-2-3 paste, which may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, but often includes Burrow's solution, zinc oxide and either aquaphor or lanolin.
Central Drugs recommends the following formulations for Dermatitis/Diaper Rash:
Benzoinated Specialty Cream |
Buttocks Ointment |
Diaper Rash Cream |
Diaper Rash Ointment |
Tacrolimus 0.1% Ointment |
Salicylic Acid 2% in Alcohol |
Salicylic Acid 5% in Silica Gel |
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