Young parents can not get enough of their offspring. Again and again they look at him, play and talk to him. And that’s a good thing, according to Munich dermatologist Prof. Dietrich Abeck, because skin diseases are immediately recognizable. At the same time, however, the expert on skin diseases in childhood reassures young parents. Not every skin change is immediately an alarm signal that indicates a disease.
The skin must first adapt
With so some skin changes it concerns only temporary “adaptation difficulties” of the skin to the changed living conditions after the birth. “The so-called newborn acne, for example, is caused by hormonal changes and does not require treatment,” explains Abeck. Sometimes skin rashes are harmless vaccination reactions. However, such “exanthem” can also be caused by an infection that needs to be treated. An allergic reaction to care products or fed baby food is also conceivable. The dermatologist will then look for the triggers and recommend avoiding them in the future.
Show conspicuous skin changes to the dermatologist
- “Parents should have unusual skin symptoms in their baby, such as exanthema, eczema, hemangiomas or conspicuous pigmentation, clarified by a dermatologist,” advises Abeck.
- Reddened, dry or weeping, itchy skin can indicate a so-called “atopic eczema” – a common diagnosis in young children. “But special care and early adequate treatment can favorably influence the course of the disease atopic dermatitis,” stresses Abeck.
- Infants with hemangioma should also definitely be presented to the dermatologist. The specialist will advise parents about the possibilities of a professional cryo or laser treatment.
- Conspicuous pigmentation, especially moles should also have the new parents examined. The dermatologist will clarify whether it is pigmentation disorders or cell proliferation and – if necessary – check in the further course, whether the changes persist, increase or heal spontaneously. In the case of birthmarks, the dermatologist clarifies with a trained eye whether they need to be removed and then also determine the right time.
Safety through the doctor’s visit
“Especially in the case of skin abnormalities in infancy, it is particularly important that the concerned parents get an appointment with the dermatologist at short notice,” stresses Abeck. “In most cases, it is sufficient for the experienced specialist to take a brief look in order to be able to classify the skin change correctly.” In many cases, the expert can then give the “all-clear,” so that unnecessary examinations and treatments can be avoided.
Dermatologist tips: Sun protection – right from the start!
Excessive UV exposure, especially sunburns, in childhood are a crucial risk factor for later skin cancers.
- Dermatologists therefore warn against too much sun on delicate children’s skin.
- Especially with infants and young children stay in the shade!
- Especially sensitive children’s skin must be additionally protected by textiles and sunblock.
- Headgear do not forget!
