Treatment of itchy skin in children

To eliminate skin itching in a child it is important to first determine its origin. If this is not done, it will be almost impossible to get rid of the affliction, because the symptom will occur immediately after completing the use of a particular drug.

The first measures to which parents should pay attention should be as follows:

• The room in which the child is located should be systematically ventilated and the air moisturized to avoid excessive dryness of the skin;
• The baby's clothes and bedding should be made of natural materials;
• the child should bathe regularly, but not excessively often, using hypoallergenic detergents and warm (not hot) water.

Regarding drug therapy, it can only be said that it is used according to the provoking disease detected.

• If the discomfort is associated with insect bites, then it is recommended to lubricate the affected area with a mixture of soda and water, or Fenistil gel.
• In case of allergic itching, it is necessary to interrupt contact with the likely allergen, give the baby enough fluids, offer any enterosorbent (activated charcoal, Enterosgel, Polysorb, etc.). Antihistamines can only be prescribed by a doctor.
• In chickenpox, itching is eliminated by the use of external remedies: Fenistil, Viferon, Acyclovir, Oxolin ointment. It is allowed to take sedatives on the doctor's recommendation.

• If the unpleasant symptom is associated with problems in the digestive or urinary systems, it is recommended to try such remedies as activated charcoal, Diazolin, ointments Nikoflex or Capsaicin, Enterosgel.
• In liver disorders (e.g., cholestasis, jaundice) prescribe Ursochol, Ursofalk, Enterosgel.
• If the endocrine nature of the disorder is treated the original disease - for example, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus. In the course of normalization of the endocrine system, itchy skin disappears.
• In the case of anemia, the problem is corrected by the use of appropriate drugs - for example, iron-containing agents, as well as correction of the child's diet.

The need for the use of certain medications is assessed by a doctor, he is also engaged in calculating the dosage for the child individually.

How to relieve itching in atopic dermatitis in a child?

Atopic dermatitis is treated only under the supervision of a medical specialist. Enzyme preparations, vitamin and mineral complexes, short courses of antihistamines, and external skin treatments may be prescribed.

Small children are often recommended to take baths with infusions of herbs (e.g., chamomile, sage, succession). But the most important is the elimination of the potential allergen that caused such a reaction of the child's body as atopic dermatitis. Parents are able to carry out the following important measures:

• offer the baby clothes only with natural composition of fabrics, avoid buying suspiciously cheap things, be sure to wash new baby clothes before the first put on;
• choose detergents and laundry powder carefully, do not use additional fragrance and softening (conditioning) additives;
• to iron all the baby's clothes with a hot iron;
• be careful when choosing toys (they should also be as natural and hypoallergenic as possible);
• prevent accumulation of house dust, do not use aerosols and sprays, any aromatic (perfumed) products in front of the child;
• avoid the baby's contact with any animals;
• prevent both hypothermia and overheating of the child's body, ensure adequate fluid intake;
• monitors the quality of digestive processes, prevent constipation;
• walk the baby often, avoid smoking areas;
• Do not use any medications without a doctor's recommendation.

As practice shows, if you follow the above tips, you can get rid of itching in an infant even without the use of medicines.

Medications

Medicines to relieve the baby from skin itching are conditionally divided into three main groups. These are antihistamines, glucocorticoids and mast cell membrane stabilizers.

Antihistamines provide blockade of histamine receptors, stopping the development of an allergic reaction. Thanks to them, within a few hours, the intensity of pathological sensations is noticeably reduced, swelling subsides and redness disappears. Common side effects when taking antihistamines are such signs as drowsiness, a feeling of fatigue, headache. Third-generation antihistamines are devoid of such side effects and are more easily tolerated by patients.

Antihistamine tablets for itching are prescribed only by a doctor:

First-generation antihistamines
Suprastin	Can relieve discomfort within half an hour after taking the tablet. It is used for the treatment of children starting from 3 years of age. Suprastin is indicated for neurodermatitis, allergies from insect bites. Take half a tablet 2-3 times a day, until the elimination of allergic signs. Side effects: drowsiness, headache.
Diazolin	Intended for internal administration, for children from three years of age. Tablets are taken after meals, 50 mg 1-3 times a day, depending on the doctor's prescription. Side effects: sleep disturbance, dry mouth, irritability.
Tavegil	Antihistamine drug with a pronounced sedative effect, can be prescribed to children over 6 years of age. Tavegil is taken before meals, with water. The usual dosage is half or a whole tablet in the morning before breakfast and before bedtime. Side effects are expressed in fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, headaches.
II generation antihistamines
Loratadine	Lactose-containing preparation, which is prescribed for children starting from 2 years of age. The average possible dosage is 1 tablet once a day. It is possible to use Loratadine in the form of syrup (the dosage is determined by the doctor). Side effects in the form of drowsiness and dizziness are very rare.
Cetirizine	The drug is for symptomatic relief of itching sensations in adults and children from 12 years of age. Standardly take one tablet once a day, with water. During treatment there may be complaints of increased fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness.
III generation antihistamines
Telfast	The drug is recommended for the treatment of allergies in children starting from 12 years of age. The therapeutic dose is 120 mg once a day, before meals. During the treatment period, the occurrence of headache, nausea, insomnia, hyperexcitability of the nervous system is not excluded.
Erius	Prerate exists in the form of tablets and syrup. Tablets are indicated for the treatment of children from 12 years of age, and for small children it is recommended to give the drug in the form of syrup, starting from the age of six months. Dosages in each situation are individualized. Side effects are rarely observed - no more than 3% of cases (fatigue, headache, thirst).

Glucocorticoid drugs of hormonal origin also perfectly cope with allergic problems, as they are able to influence any cellular structures responsible for the development of allergies. But glucocorticoids are not often prescribed, because they have a long list of side effects, which makes their use undesirable. For example, it is not uncommon to see digestive disorders, instability of blood pressure, headaches, etc. Glucocorticoids are not to be taken for more than ten days, and only under the supervision of a doctor.

Agents that block the membranes of mast cells are most often prescribed to eliminate chronic itching. Their action is as follows. When an allergen penetrates the body, in response, the production of immunoglobulins begins. The latter, coming into contact with immunocytes (mast cells), stimulate the release of histamines into the blood - provocateurs of the main symptoms of allergy, including itching. The drug Ketotifen is able to break this chain, as a result of which the release of histamine is inhibited, allergic reaction does not develop. The action of Ketotifen is cumulative, so it will not immediately stop allergies. It is for this reason that the drug is preferred to prescribe for the elimination of chronic processes.

Ketotifen can be used to treat babies only when they reach 3 years of age.

Ointments and creams for itching in children

Ointments and creams are always used with caution, as not all of them are approved in pediatrics, and may even cause a hypersensitivity reaction in the infant like an allergy, which will fundamentally aggravate the situation. Do not underestimate external preparations, relying on their relative safety, compared to systemic drugs. It is better to consult a doctor.

Anti-itch ointments and creams fall into two categories:

• with hormonal components;
• with no hormonal components in its composition.

Non-hormonal medications are safer, have fewer side effects, and many of them can be used almost immediately after birth. These are the following remedies:

• Fenistil gel - is prescribed to get rid of itching sensation associated with allergic processes, insect attack, sun exposure. Side effects are considered rare, only occasionally there is a slight dryness of the skin at the site of application. The gel is applied to the skin intact, children over 1 month of age.
• Histan is a complex herbal remedy that successfully copes with itchy symptoms in atopic dermatitis, urticaria, mosquito or gnat bites. Rarely, but the drug itself can also cause allergies. Important: Histane and Histane-N are two potentially different drugs. The latter has a hormonal basis and is not used in pediatric practice.
• Skin Cap is a product based on active zinc, helps to eliminate discomfort caused by dry or fungal skin diseases, allergies, gnat bites. The cream is used only on strict indications, as directed studies on the safety of this drug for children have not been conducted. It is better to consult with a specialist.

With severe itching against the background of an active inflammatory process in the skin prescribe other external preparations in combination with general therapy:

• Desitin - suitable for the treatment of both infants and older children, can be applied to the area of vesicular rashes and sores. If there is a discharge of pus from inflamed elements, the use of the drug should be discontinued - most likely, preliminary antibiotic therapy will be required.
• Vundekhil is a combined herbal cream that helps to get rid of the discomfort caused by ultraviolet burns, allergies, neurodermatitis, psoriasis. The cream can not be used if the baby is allergic to bee products. The course of therapy is usually 1-4 weeks, but not more.
• Elidel is a popular cream that effectively relieves unpleasant symptoms accompanying eczema or allergic dermatitis. The product is suitable for use in children older than 3 months. It should be taken into account that during the first few days of treatment may be observed worsening of the situation: skin reddening, burning. Such signs are transient and disappear on their own, do not stop applying the cream.

Ointments with hormonal composition are prescribed only in extreme cases, when other external remedies do not cope with the tasks at hand. Hormonal preparations act quickly and effectively, but have a long list of side effects, including impaired adrenal function and even hypercorticism (Icenko-Cushing's disease).

Which hormonal external agents are allowed to be used for itchy dermatoses (after talking to a doctor, of course)? These are Elocom, Skinlight, Uniderm, Clobetasol, Advantan.

It is undesirable to use Lorinden, Betasone, Triderm, Diprosalik, Fucicort, Flucinar.

Hydrocortisone-based products are prohibited for the treatment of children: Betamezon, Hydrocortisone ointment, Fluorocort, etc.

Vitamins

The role of various micronutrients and vitamins cannot be overemphasized, but their deficiency can cause the development of many diseases, including the cause of pruritic disorders.

• Lack of ascorbic acid, tocopherol, vitamins B, A and PP leads to weakened immune defense, makes the skin defenseless against pathologies.
• With a lack of ascorbic acid, the dermis loses elasticity and firmness, dryness and flaking appear.
• Vitamin A deficiency affects the condition of hair, skin and nails. The outer skin becomes dry, there is a persistent itching sensation.
• Tocopherol is a natural antioxidant, it improves the condition and regenerates the epidermis, provides elasticity and firmness.

In order to replenish vitamin stores in the body, you need to diversify the baby's menu with such foods as citrus and root vegetables, eggs, wheat germ, broccoli, cottage cheese, walnuts, salad leaves, salmon, bananas.

If the infant is prone to anemia, treatment should be prescribed by a doctor.

Physiotherapy treatment

A good effect in skin itching is noted with phototherapy and afferent methods. The use of narrowband ultraviolet irradiation has demonstrated success in the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, flat lice, urticaria, metabolic disorders.

There are data on the management of resistant pediatric pruritic dermatosis with invasive procedures such as plasmapheresis, plasmosorption, hemosorption, and albumin dialysis.

The principle of the impact of plasmapheresis in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other similar pathologies is due to the extraction from the blood stream of interleukins with circulating immune complexes. At the same time, the action of the trigger factor is blocked, the access of other drugs to the affected area is improved.

Folk treatment

Parents may not always have access to the necessary medication. Sometimes it may not be possible to seek medical help as soon as possible. In such situations, the use of folk treatment is justified - for example, applying lotions, baths with herbal infusions. Such plants with antipruritic properties as chamomile, oak bark, lavender, fenugreek, oats, mint have proved to be good.

You can wipe itchy skin with half diluted vinegar (not essence!).

If there is no allergy to bee products, you can do procedures with propolis ointment. For treatment of the affected skin is also suitable pharmacy tincture of propolis, which successfully eliminates discomfort and softens the epidermis.

Natural remedy - mumie - is a resinous substance that is extracted from rocky crevices. This substance contains a large number of minerals and organic components that accelerate local metabolic processes and promote rapid skin regeneration. Itching in a child can be eliminated by using a 2% solution of mumie: liquid wipe the outer skin or used to put compresses.

Herbal treatment

Anti-itching tea based on melissa leaves soothes, eliminates skin irritation, reduces the manifestation of discomfort. To properly prepare such a tea, take 1 tbsp. Melissa and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Give the baby a little at a time during the day. Treatment is usually long, up to one month.

Baths with the addition of the infusion of succession eliminate signs of allergies, get rid of itching discomfort and cleanse the body of rashes. To prepare the infusion take 2 tbsp. Of succession, pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist under a lid until cool, then filtered and poured into the bath. In such a bath you can bathe the baby, or make lotions from the infusion. During the day wipe the itchy skin with such a remedy: pour 2 tbsp. Alternaria 100 ml of boiling water, kept under a lid for a quarter of an hour, filtered and used as a lotion.

Well eliminates itching in a child tincture of calendula. With its help it is possible to prevent infection of scabs, accelerate the recovery of the skin. Tincture is sold in almost any pharmacy, but not excluded and self-cooking: 10 g of raw calendula poured 250 ml of alcohol and kept in a dark place for a couple of weeks. Then the remedy is filtered and used to wipe the itchy areas. If during treatment there is a burning sensation, the tincture is additionally diluted with water.

Homeopathy

Itching discomfort in children is usually the main sign of dermatologic problems and allergies. Such pathologies can be treated both by traditional methods and with the help of homeopathy. Homeopaths usually offer remedies to influence the body's own defense system in order to strengthen its resistance to disease. This treatment is safe, as it can be administered even to babies. However, it is not easy: homeopathic remedies in almost all cases need to be selected individually, sometimes using combinations of remedies, and taken for a long time.

Nevertheless, the success of homeopathic treatment is obvious for many people. The main condition is to find a good experienced homeopath, who will choose exactly the remedy that will help the child in this particular case.

Which of the medications your doctor may recommend:

• Sulfur - will help with a severe itching sensation that increases at night and after any exposure to heat.
• Calcarea carbonica - recommended for dry rash, burning that is aggravated in warm humid conditions.
• Acidum fluoricum - helps if severe itching discomfort is accompanied by pronounced skin flaking, the appearance of a small rash.
• Stisolobium - used for intense itchy manifestations without visible rashes.
• Nicollum metallicum - prescribed for itchy rashes, or focal lesions (itching of the neck, shoulder girdle).
• Conium maculatum - helps relieve genital itching.

Homeopathic treatment is usually mild and is not accompanied by side effects, including allergies. However, after the first dose, the child should be closely monitored, as the possibility of allergies cannot be excluded.