On Children’s Skin Disorders

Of the many skin conditions common among children, it was skin asthma that afflicted my son. I can vividly remember the incidents that occurred during that time.

My son was a barely a year when we first noticed the skin condition. At the start, we thought it was only prickly heat or probably rashes because of the severe heat. Living in a tropical country, skin conditions like these are very common. However, it became very bothersome. You can see that the whole of his back has turned red and rough. I can feel his distress. For a child who cannot express how he feels, it’s their cry that will make you understand.

Initially, it was only the pediatrician who oversees his condition. Prescribing us ointments, mild soaps, hypo-allergenic products, in spite of this, the symptoms still persisted. It was after a couple of months that we decided to see an allergologist. We needed to know the cause and try be more proactive rather than merely reacting to the situation.

A skin test was conducted. This test is done on the skin in order to identify the allergen (allergy substance) that triggers the allergic reaction. A very small amount of the supposed allergen is placed on the skin by gently scratching it. Don’t worry they used a special sterile needle to scratch the skin. That’s why this is also called a scratch test. If area becomes red then that is positive – meaning it is the substance that causes the allergy.

After identifying the substance that triggers the allergic reaction, we were advised if we want him immunized. This is the process wherein he will be injected with antibodies to fight the allergy causing substances. The process took about 2 months and injections were done on a weekly basis.



It was indeed painful for a mom to see your child go through this kind of ordeal but it was a choice that we, parents, had to make. My son has since outgrown this skin conditions. Once in a while, allergic reactions are still triggered but now it’s more manageable.

Although many skin problems can be treated with over-the-counter medications, there are skin disorders requiring the care of a physician. Remember to consult a competent professional before you start any medication, such as eczema treatment, psoriasis treatment and the like.