Skin Diseases

Eczema is a general term for several skin conditions that cause red, itchy rashes and dry skin. Eczema is very common in infants and young children and occurs when the skin becomes oversensitive and reacts to irritants. Treatment focuses on managing flare-ups and keeping the skin moisturized.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itchy, red, flaky, and cracked skin, especially between the toes. It occurs when the fungus that causes athlete’s foot invades the top layer of the skin. Kids can develop athlete’s foot from walking barefoot in public places like pools, showers, and locker rooms. Treating athlete’s foot involves using antifungal creams and keeping the skin dry.
Warts are noncancerous growths caused by the human papillomavirus. They commonly appear on the hands and feet of children. Warts can be contagious and spread through direct contact or sharing items. They usually go away on their own over time but can also be treated with over-the-counter wart removers or frozen off by a doctor.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy rash with a ring-like appearance. It is very contagious and commonly spreads among children. Ringworm is treated with antifungal creams and oral medications prescribed by a pediatrician. Proper hygiene and washing items used by the infected child can also help prevent the spread.
Diaper rash is a common skin irritation in babies caused by frequent exposure to urine and feces trapped under a diaper. Diaper rash presents as a red, bumpy rash in the diaper area. Caregivers can prevent and treat diaper rash by keeping the diaper area clean and dry, using moisture barriers, and applying diaper rash creams.
Fungal infections: Ringworm, athlete’s foot and yeast infections are fungal infections that can affect children’s skin. They are caused by fungi like dermatophytes and candida that thrive in warm, moist environments.
Allergic reactions: Children often develop allergies to foods, environmental substances, lotions, soaps and laundry detergents. Allergic reactions can cause hives, red rashes and eczema-like symptoms

At Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital in Kochi, we provide specialized ayurvedic treatments for various skin diseases in children using natural herbs and medicines.
Ayurveda focuses on identifying and removing the root cause of diseases rather than just suppressing symptoms. Our experienced ayurvedic physicians will conduct a thorough consultation to determine the underlying imbalance or dosha causing your child’s skin condition. Based on the dosha diagnosis, we will recommend a customized ayurvedic treatment plan that may include:
• Herbal medicines : We prescribe ayurvedic formulations made from natural herbs that can help cleanse and detoxify the skin, reduce inflammation and itching, and boost your child’s immune system.
• Panchakarma treatments: For stubborn skin conditions, we may recommend ayurvedic cleansing therapies like Shirodhara and Nasya that work at a deep tissue level to eliminate toxins from the body.
• Diet and lifestyle changes: We will advise you on an ayurvedic diet for your child that avoids aggravating foods and includes healing spices and foods. Proper sleep, exercise and reducing stress are also important.
• External herbal applications: Medicated oils and herbal pastes made from natural ingredients like neem, turmeric and gooseberry are applied topically to heal and nourish the skin from outside

Skin problems like rashes, hives, and eczema can indeed be triggered by allergies and other conditions. Allergic reactions are one of the most common causes of skin issues. When you come into contact with an allergen, it can set off a chain reaction in your body that results in symptoms like itchiness, redness, swelling, and inflammation on your skin. Common allergens that can provoke skin problems include:

• Foods: Certain foods like nuts, shellfish, dairy products, and eggs are frequent triggers. The allergen enters your bloodstream after you eat it, then causes an immune response on your skin.
• Medications: Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines can cause skin rashes and itchiness, especially antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
• Pollen and dust mites: If you have seasonal or year-round allergies, the same allergens that cause your symptoms can also irritate your skin.
• Chemicals: Fragrances, dyes, and preservatives in soaps, lotions, cleaners, and other products may provoke an allergic reaction on contact.
In addition to allergies, other conditions that can lead to skin issues include hormone changes, yeast or bacterial infections, genetic skin disorders, and certain diseases. Your lifestyle and environment also play a role. Stress, an imbalanced diet, excessive heat or cold, and chemicals in the air can all exacerbate skin conditions over time.

There are many different types of skin rashes that can affect children. Some of the most common are:
Diaper rash – A red, irritated rash that occurs in the diaper area. It is caused by irritation from moisture, bacteria, and ammonia from urine and feces. Diaper rash usually appears as red bumps that can become raw and weepy. The rash can be treated with creams and ointments.
Eczema – A chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes red, itchy rashes. Eczema rashes most often appear on the face, arms and legs. They can vary from mild to severe. Eczema flares can be triggered by things like soaps, detergents, dust mites, and food allergens. Treatment includes moisturizing, topical steroids, and avoiding triggers.
Hives – Raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly on the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body. Hives in children are often triggered by an allergic reaction to food, medication, or an insect sting. Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve symptoms.
Fungal rashes – Rashes caused by fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot. They appear as scaly, red patches that are often itchy. Antifungal creams are used to treat fungal rashes.
Viral rashes – Rashes caused by viruses like chickenpox, measles, and hand, foot and mouth disease. They produce blisters or red bumps on the skin, often accompanied by fever and other symptoms. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.