As parents, we always worry about our kids' health, whether they're babies crawling around or preteens starting to try out makeup. Here in Singapore, our humid weather means our kids often face specific skin issues. So, what's the best way to tackle these problems?
Thankfully, we got to chat with Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, the Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist at Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic here in Singapore. In this quick Q&A, Dr Lee tells us about some of the common skin problems kids in Singapore face and how we as parents can help them give their skin some tender loving care.
Ask the Expert: Common Skin Problems Among Kids in Singapore
Q: What are the most common skin problems among children in Singapore?
A: There are many skin concerns amongst babies and young children in Singapore, some of which may flare due to the heat and humidity here. From my observations, these include atopic dermatitis (eczema), hives (urticaria), heat rashes and diaper dermatitis.
Firstly, eczema, which ranges from mild to severe, can significantly impact a child’s quality of life.
This chronic condition is believed to affect as many as one in five children in Singapore, and manifests as recurrent, dry, itchy red patches on the skin. Often associated with a personal or family history of other atopic conditions including asthma, allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis, the condition can be easily triggered by exposure to allergens and irritants due to an overactive immune response.
Secondly, hives are relatively common in children as they often develop in reaction to viral infections, certain foods, medications, insect bites, or environmental factors such as heat, resulting in raised, red, itchy welts.
Children in Singapore are prone to heat rash as well due to our tropical weather, particularly if they are dressed too warmly or spend extended periods in hot and humid environments. Babies and young children are especially susceptible as their sweat ducts are still developing. In most cases, the heat rash resolves on its own once the affected area is kept cool and dry.
Last but not least, newborns and babies are vulnerable to diaper dermatitis. Its primary causes include prolonged exposure to wet diapers, friction, and the constant contact of urine and faeces with the skin.
Additionally, the use of certain diapers, wipes, or topical products may contribute to skin sensitivity. To prevent and manage diaper dermatitis in Singapore's climate, it's essential to maintain good diaper-changing practices.
Q: Are there any contagious skin diseases that can be passed among school-aged kids?
A: Several types of skin conditions are highly contagious and easily spread through skin-to-skin contact, and several common ones come to mind.
Ringworm, or tinea, is a fungal infection causing circular, red, and itchy rashes with raised scaly borders to a child’s skin, scalp, or nails. Antifungal medications are typically administered in mild cases, in the form of topical creams or ointments while oral medications are commonly prescribed for severe infections.
Also contagious but presenting themselves as small, painless growths are viral warts triggered by the human papillomavirus, as well as molluscum contagiosum caused by the pox virus and which are more commonly spread amongst children with eczema.
Another common condition among children is impetigo. This is a contagious bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. It commonly manifests as flaccid blisters and/or yellow crusted erosions and spreads rapidly through skin-to-skin contact.
Finally, parasitic skin infections such as scabies can be contagious too, a result of mites burrowing into the child’s skin to create intense itching and rashes.
To prevent the spread of these conditions, it is crucial to educate children about good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, avoiding sharing personal items and maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces. Additionally, prompt identification and treatment of these conditions are essential to minimise their transmission among children.
Q: How soon can preteens wear makeup or use skincare products for adults?
A: The appropriate age for preteens to start wearing makeup or using skincare products designed for adults varies from individual to individual. Generally, it is recommended to introduce these products gradually and to educate on the importance of proper skincare and makeup removal to maintain good skin health.
When it comes to skincare products, we’d often recommend that preteens begin with basic products like gentle cleansers and moisturisers, especially if they have specific skin concerns. As it's important to choose products suitable for their skin type and avoid harsh chemicals, a consultation with a dermatologist can help determine the right skincare routine.
As for makeup, there is no recommended or minimum age for usage as it largely depends on various factors including lifestyle habits and underlying skin types. For instance, those with acne-prone skin during puberty should be looking out for oil-free, non-comedogenic products.
My advice to those trying out any product for the first time is to always conduct a “test spot” - that is, to apply the product on a small area for 7 days or so and observe for any signs of irritation before applying it on the rest of the face. This is especially crucial for preteens with sensitive skin.
Regardless, preteens should keep in mind to always use a suitable cleanser for makeup removal which prevents irritation or clogged pores, and to engage in good sun protection habits. Using sunscreen daily to protect their skin from harmful UV rays will help in slowing down premature skin ageing and sun damage in the long run.
Q: School's starting again - what are reminders for parents when it comes to their school-aged kids' skin?
A: Parents and caregivers need to pay attention to their children's skin health and notice the first signs of developing or persistent skin issues. Early intervention by consulting with dermatologists promptly can go a long way towards managing skin conditions and maintaining healthy skin.
Additionally, keeping your child’s skin clean and moisturised, using gentle, suitable skincare products and engaging in regular hygiene practices are key to maintaining healthy skin barriers and reducing the risks of developing common skin conditions.
In hot and humid climates, wearing loose clothes made of “breathable” moisture-wicking fabric would be crucial in keeping the skin cool.
Q: What are some warning signs that parents should bring their child to a dermatologist for a consultation?
A: It's advisable to seek professional care for issues such as hair loss, nail abnormalities or fungal infections or any other conditions that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments. Severe reactions that manifest on the skin as extensive hives, blisters or swelling should also be assessed by a dermatologist as early intervention and proper care can often prevent the progression of skin issues and ensure the overall well-being of the child.
Parents should exercise caution and avoid self-medicating as this may confound or worsen the condition.
Furthermore, children with chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo typically require long-term follow-up and will benefit from ongoing dermatological care to manage and monitor their conditions.
If you have any more questions about caring for your child's skin, do not hesitate to consult a pediatric dermatologist.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.