|
Like colds and other illnesses, some skin infections can be passed on to other people. This can be an issue among children, who are more prone to certain types of contagious skin infections like impetigo. Impetigo is a common
bacterial infection that produces crusty sores.
Hand washing is one of the best ways to help prevent skin infections (and, if a child has one, to help keep it from spreading). Other tips that may help:
- Children should have a daily bath or shower to keep skin clean. Talk with your doctor if your child has a condition that makes it hard to bathe him or her often.
- Keep skin wounds clean and covered. Use treatments that your doctor suggests.
- Keep fingernails short and clean.
Infections can develop when your child scratches a sore or a rash (like poison ivy). Try to keep your child from scratching itchy skin. These tips may help:
- Use mild bath soap and laundry detergent that won’t irritate skin.
- At bath time, use warm (not hot) water to avoid drying the skin.
- Avoid fabrics, like wool, that can make skin itch, and use cotton bedding.
- Keep your home cool and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air when the weather is warm and dry.
- Place a cool washcloth or ice over the itchy area to help prevent scratching.
Contact your pediatrician if your child:
- Has an area of red, irritated, or painful skin, especially if it’s pus-filled.
- Has a fever or feels sick.
Also, call your doctor if a skin infection seems to be spreading among family members.
Also of Interest
|
