Itchy scalp in children
Why can the scalp itch in children? We will tell you about it below in case it happens to your child.
If your child’s scalp itches it does not mean it is something life threatening , since it can be a simple irritation with an easy solution. But it is worth understanding that there are several reasons why your child may have these itchy scalps. Two of the most common causes of itchy scalp in children include eczema and most of all, lice.
Index
THE CAUSES
Eczema refers to a number of skin conditions in which the skin is irritated, red, and itchy. About 1 in 10 children develop eczema. Other causes of itchy scalp include lice or ringworm. Lice can cause your child’s scalp to become inflamed and itchy.
It can take weeks for a child with lice to start scratching, depending on how sensitive your child’s skin is to lice. Lice are highly contagious and spread easily from person to person, especially in schools where children are so close to each other.
Ringworm is a fungal infection most often seen on the scalp. It looks like a red ring or a group of rings with light centers. This infection causes an itchy scalp in a child.
SIGNS
The most noticeable signs that your child may have eczema usually appear before your child is three months old and almost always before their fifth birthday. Symptoms include dryness, itching , red skin, and small bumps on the cheeks, forehead, or scalp.
The rash can spread to other parts of the body. Signs and itching of the scalp due to lice can be seen by examining your child’s head. Louse eggs look like tiny yellow, brown, or tan spots before they hatch. Adult lice are grayish-white or tan in color and are no larger than a sesame seed.
Ringworm can start as a round, reddish, pimple- like sore and then become scaly, scaly, or crusty, causing itchy scalp. It can also cause swelling, redness, and broken hairs.
COMPLICATIONS
Itchy scalp is not life threatening , and the underlying cause is easily treated. Complications can come from excessive scratching of the skin, which can lead to a bacterial infection . It’s important for your child to avoid scratching his skin and covering any open blisters he may have.
TREATMENT
A topical corticosteroid is commonly used to treat eczema. More than half of children with eczema will outgrow it as teenagers. Lice treatment includes a medicated shampoo or lotion to kill the lice. You should not use medicated shampoo for children under two years of age. You will need to remove the nits and lice by hand. You will also need to wash all bedding and clothing, vacuum rugs and furniture, and soak hair care items in rubbing alcohol. Treatment for ringworm of the scalp includes a prescription oral medication.
PREVENTION
Scientists believe that eczema is inherited; therefore, you cannot prevent your child from getting eczema . Preventing most infections that cause itchy scalp in your child includes avoiding direct contact at school or when playing with other children, sharing hair accessories and brushes, and close contact with anyone who has lice. or ringworm.
In case your child has this type of condition, it is important to go to the pediatrician as soon as possible to be able to find the correct treatment.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.