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, since the symptom will appear immediately after the end of the use of a particular drug.

The first steps that parents should pay attention to should be the following:

• the room where the child is located must be regularly ventilated and the air must be humidified to avoid excessive dryness of the skin;
• baby's clothes and bedding should be made from natural materials;
• The child should take baths regularly, but not too often, using hypoallergenic detergents and warm (not hot) water.

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

• If the discomfort is associated with insect bites, it is recommended to lubricate the affected area with a paste of soda and water, or Fenistil gel.
• In case of allergic itching, it is necessary to interrupt contact with the probable allergen, give the baby sufficient amounts of liquid, offer any enterosorbent (activated carbon, Enterosgel, Polysorb, etc.). Antihistamines can only be prescribed by a doctor.
• In case of chickenpox, itching is eliminated by using external agents: Fenistil, Viferon, Acyclovir, Oxolinic ointment. Taking sedatives is allowed on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If the unpleasant symptom is associated with problems in the digestive or urinary systems, then it is recommended to try such remedies as activated carbon, Diazolin, Nikoflex or Capsaicin ointments, Enterosgel.
• For liver disorders (for example, cholestasis, jaundice), Ursochol, Ursofalk, Enterosgel are prescribed.
• In the case of an endocrine disorder, the underlying disease is treated, such as thyroid dysfunction or diabetes. As the endocrine system returns to normal, skin itching also disappears.
• In case of anemia, the problem is eliminated by using appropriate medications – for example, iron-containing agents, as well as by correcting the child’s diet.

The need for the use of certain medications is assessed by the doctor, who also calculates the dosage for the child on an individual basis.

How to relieve itching in a child with atopic dermatitis?

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

Small children are often recommended to take baths with herbal infusions (for example, chamomile, sage, succession). But the most important thing is to eliminate the potential allergen that caused such a reaction of the child's body as atopic dermatitis. Parents can carry out the following important measures:

• offer your baby clothes made only from natural fabrics, avoid buying suspiciously cheap items, and be sure to wash new baby clothes before wearing them for the first time;
• carefully select detergents and washing powder, do not use additional fragrances and softening (conditioning) additives;
• iron all baby's clothes with a hot iron;
• be careful when choosing toys (they should also be as natural and hypoallergenic as possible);
• prevent the accumulation of household dust, do not use aerosols and sprays, or any aromatic (perfumed) products in the presence of the child;
• avoid contact of the baby with any animals;
• avoid both hypothermia and overheating of the child's body, ensure sufficient fluid intake;
• monitors the quality of digestive processes, prevents constipation;
• walk with your baby often, avoid smoking areas;
• Do not use any medications without a doctor's recommendation.

As practice shows, if you follow the advice given, you can relieve your baby of itching even without using medications.

Medicines

Medicines for relieving a baby's skin itch are conventionally divided into three main groups. These are antihistamines, glucocorticoids, and mast cell membrane stabilizers.

Antihistamines block histamine receptors, stopping the development of an allergic reaction. Thanks to them, the intensity of pathological sensations is noticeably reduced within a few hours, swelling subsides and redness disappears. Frequent side effects when taking antihistamines include such symptoms as drowsiness, fatigue, headaches. Third-generation antihistamines are free 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	It can relieve discomfort within half an hour after taking the pill. It is used to treat children from the age of 3. Suprastin is indicated for neurodermatitis, allergies from insect bites. Take half a tablet 2-3 times a day until the allergic symptoms disappear. Side effects: drowsiness, headache.
Diazolin	It is intended for internal use, for children from three years old. 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	An antihistamine with a pronounced sedative effect, can be prescribed to children over 6 years old. Tavegil is taken before meals, with water. The usual dosage is half or a whole tablet in the morning before breakfast and before bed. Side effects include fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, headaches.
Antihistamines of the second generation
Loratadine	A lactose-containing drug that is prescribed to children 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 such as drowsiness and dizziness occur very rarely.
Cetirizine	A drug for symptomatic relief of itching in adults and children over 12 years of age. The standard dose is one tablet once a day, with water. During treatment, complaints of increased fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, and drowsiness are possible.
Antihistamines of the third generation
Telfast	The drug is recommended for the treatment of allergies in children, starting from the age of 12. The therapeutic dose is 120 mg once a day, before meals. During the treatment period, headaches, nausea, insomnia, and increased excitability of the nervous system are possible.
Erius	The drug is available in tablet and syrup form. Tablets are indicated for treating children aged 12 years and over, and it is recommended to give the drug to small children in syrup form starting from the age of six months. Dosages are individual in each situation. Side effects are rare - no more than 3% of cases (fatigue, headache, thirst).

Glucocorticoid drugs of hormonal origin also cope well with allergic problems, since they can influence any cellular structures responsible for the development of allergies. But glucocorticoids are not prescribed very often, since they have a long list of side effects, which makes their use undesirable. For example, digestive disorders, instability of blood pressure, headaches, etc. can often be observed. Glucocorticoids are taken for no more than ten days, and only under the supervision of a doctor.

Mast cell membrane blockers are most often prescribed to eliminate chronic itching. Their action is as follows. When an allergen enters the body, the body begins to produce immunoglobulins in response. The latter, coming into contact with immunocytes (mast cells), stimulate the release of histamines into the blood - the provocateurs of the main symptoms of allergy, including itching. The drug Ketotifen is able to disrupt this chain, as a result of which the release of histamine is inhibited, and an allergic reaction does not develop. The effect of Ketotifen is cumulative, so it will not stop the allergy immediately. It is for this reason that the drug is preferred to be prescribed to eliminate chronic processes.

The use of Ketotifen for the treatment of children is possible only after they reach 3 years of age.

Ointments and creams for itching for children

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

Anti-itch ointments and creams are divided into two categories:

• containing hormonal components;
• does not contain hormonal components.

Non-hormonal drugs are safer, have fewer side effects, and many of them can be used almost immediately after birth. We are talking about the following drugs:

• Fenistil gel - is prescribed to relieve itching associated with allergic processes, insect attacks, and sun exposure. Side effects are considered rare, only occasionally slight dryness of the skin at the site of application is noted. The gel is applied to skin not damaged by scratching, to children over 1 month.
• Gistan is a complex herbal remedy that successfully copes with itchy symptoms of atopic dermatitis, urticaria, mosquito or midge bites. Rarely, the drug itself can also cause allergies. Important: Gistan and Gistan-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 eliminate discomfort caused by dry or fungal skin diseases, allergies, midge bites. The cream is used only according to strict indications, since targeted studies on the safety of this drug for children have not been conducted. It is better to consult a specialist.

In case of severe itching against the background of an active inflammatory process in the skin, other external medications are prescribed in combination with general therapy:

• Desitin - suitable for the treatment of both infants and older children, can be applied to the area of blistering rashes and weeping ulcers. If pus is released from the inflamed elements, then the use of the drug should be discontinued - most likely, preliminary antibiotic therapy will be required.
• Vundehil is a combined herbal cream that helps relieve discomfort caused by ultraviolet burns, allergies, neurodermatitis, and psoriasis. The cream should 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 associated with eczema or allergic dermatitis. The product is suitable for use in children over 3 months. It should be noted that during the first few days of treatment, the situation may worsen: the skin turns red, a burning sensation appears. Such symptoms are transient and disappear on their own; you should not stop applying the cream.

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

What hormonal external agents are allowed to be used for itchy dermatoses (naturally, after talking to a doctor)? These are Elokom, Skinlight, Uniderm, Clobetasol, Advantan.

It is not recommended to use Lorinden, Betazone, Triderm, Diprosalik, Fucicort, Flucinar.

Hydrocortisone-based products are prohibited for use in children: Betameson, Hydrocortisone Ointment, Fluorocort, etc.

Vitamins

The role of various microelements and vitamins cannot be overestimated, but their deficiency can cause the development of many diseases, including itching disorders.

• A deficiency of ascorbic acid, tocopherol, vitamins B, A and PP leads to a weakening of the immune system, making the skin defenseless against pathologies.
• With a lack of ascorbic acid, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, and dryness and flaking appear.
• Vitamin A deficiency affects the condition of the hair, skin and nails. The outer covering becomes dry, and a persistent itching sensation appears.
• Tocopherol is a natural antioxidant, it improves the condition and restores the epidermis, provides elasticity and firmness.

In order to replenish the body's vitamin reserves, you need to diversify your baby's menu with products such as citrus fruits and root vegetables, eggs, wheat sprouts, broccoli, cottage cheese, walnuts, lettuce leaves, salmon, and bananas.

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

Physiotherapy treatment

A good effect on skin itching is noted with the influence of phototherapy and afferent methods. The use of narrow-band ultraviolet radiation has demonstrated success in the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, urticaria, and metabolic disorders.

There are data on the relief of resistant childhood itchy dermatosis using invasive procedures such as plasmapheresis, plasma sorption, hemosorption, and albumin dialysis.

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

Folk remedies

Not in all cases do parents have access to the necessary medications. Sometimes there may be no opportunity to quickly seek medical help. In such situations, the use of folk remedies is justified - for example, applying lotions, taking baths with herbal infusions. Such plants with antipruritic properties as chamomile, oak bark, lavender, fenugreek, oats, mint have proven themselves well.

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. Pharmacy propolis tincture is also suitable for treating affected skin, which successfully eliminates unpleasant sensations and softens the epidermis.

The natural remedy, mumiyo, is a resinous substance 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% mumiyo solution: the liquid is wiped on the outer skin or used for compresses.

Herbal treatment

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

Baths with the addition of a succession infusion eliminate the signs of allergies, relieve itching discomfort and cleanse the body of rashes. To prepare the infusion, take 2 tbsp. succession, pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist under the lid until it cools, then filter and pour into the bath. You can bathe a baby in such a bath, or make lotions from the infusion. During the day, wipe the itchy skin with this remedy: pour 2 tbsp. succession with 100 ml of boiling water, keep under the lid for a quarter of an hour, filter and use as a lotion.

Calendula tincture is good for eliminating itching in children. It helps prevent infection of scratches and speed up skin recovery. The tincture is sold in almost any pharmacy, but you can also make it yourself: pour 10 g of calendula raw material with 250 ml of alcohol and keep it in a dark place for a couple of weeks. Then filter the product and use it to wipe itchy areas. If a burning sensation occurs during treatment, the tincture is additionally diluted with water.

Homeopathy

Itchy discomfort in children is usually the main symptom of dermatological problems and allergies. Such pathologies can be treated both by traditional methods and by homeopathy. Homeopaths usually offer remedies for influencing the body's own defense system in order to strengthen its resistance to diseases. Such treatment is safe, since it can be prescribed even to babies. However, it is not easy: homeopathic preparations in almost all cases must be selected individually, sometimes using their combinations, taking for a long time.

However, the success of homeopathic treatment is obvious to many. The main condition is to find a good experienced homeopath who will select the medicine that will help the child in this particular case.

Which medications may the doctor recommend:

• Sulphur - will help with a strong itching sensation that intensifies at night and after any exposure to heat.
• Calcarea carbonica - recommended for the relief of dry rashes and burning sensations that are aggravated by warm, humid conditions.
• Acidum fluoricum – helps if severe itching discomfort is accompanied by pronounced peeling of the skin and the appearance of a small rash.
• Stizolobium - used for intense itching without visible rashes.
• Nicollum metallicum is prescribed for itchy rashes or focal lesions (itching of the neck, shoulder girdle).
• Conium maculatum – helps relieve itching of the genitals.

Homeopathic treatment is usually gentle and does not cause side effects, including allergic ones. However, after taking the first dose, the child should be closely monitored, as the possibility of an allergy is still possible.