Each year during summer my son gets the same problem. He gets redness areas on his body. It itches and he becomes very uncomfortable. This has been the case since four to five years. It occurs mainly in the period October till January or February. Then problem disappears. Age is 12 years. Ointments have been applied without much results. Cortizone based pills were prescribed and the results is that he is now overweight. Can someone please help?
2006-12-19 23:09:10 · 4 answers · asked by amal 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
I assume you are not looking for the specific name of the irritation that causes your son's skin to itch at a certain time of the year. We need a lengthy series of tests to determine what causes it. However, if it is treatment you are looking for, I may be able to help you in that area. Read on!
For itching of any cause, bathing should be kept brief and preferably in cool or lukewarm water with very little or no soap. The skin should be patted dry gently rather than rubbed vigorously. Many people with itching benefit from an over-the-counter moisturizing cream applied right after bathing. The moisturizer should be odorless and colorless, because additives that provide color or scent may irritate the skin and even cause itching. Fingernails, especially children's, should be kept short to minimize abrasions from scratching. Coating the affected area with soothing compounds, such as menthol, camphor, chamomile, eucalyptus, or calamine, also can help.
Taking antihistamines by mouth may decrease itching. Some antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine and diphenhydramine, usually cause sleepiness and dry mouth and are mainly used at bedtime. Other antihistamines, such as loratadine and cetirizine, usually do not cause sleepiness.
Corticosteroid creams decrease inflammation and control itching and may be used when itching is limited to a small area. Only mild corticosteroids, such as 1% hydrocortisone, should be applied to the face and genitals, because stronger corticosteroids may thin the sensitive skin in these areas.
Specific treatments may be needed. For example, when fungal, parasitic, or bacterial infections cause itching, topical or systemic drugs may be required. Topical drugs are applied directly to the affected area of the skin. Systemic drugs are taken by mouth or injected and are distributed throughout the body.
I hope the above suggestions help. I have a feeling he is suffering from skin asthma, but as I said earlier, further tests are needed to determine what causes your son's skin to itch seasonally.
Don't take our word for it, though. It is still best to consult your doctor about this. Good luck!
23 Dec 2006, 10:32pm, Philippines
2006-12-23 01:41:00 · answer #1 · answered by Alien Life Form 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I also have the same prob with my daughter, if its the same, it's called "bungang araw" in our native language, they always occur in the summer months because of the hot weather, that causes excessive perspiration..my solution is to apply starch powder ( the one that's use on laundry) or baby powder with cornstarch, then apply it liberally on the affected areas after she bathed. Sometimes, I put a large amount on her bathtub, and let her soak in it for 15minutes or so, of course, after she thoroughly cleaned herself...the idea here is to keep your son's skin dry and free of perspiration.. good luck!
2006-12-20 07:23:35 · answer #2 · answered by cekki 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a skin conditon called excema. It is usual itchy and red. Its just dri skin and and i get mainly in the months but to be sure have him checked out by a skin specialst
2006-12-20 07:12:18 · answer #3 · answered by missprissyky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The causative factor may heat,or indirectly some allergen.
You perhaps need to change the treatment.
NSAIDs do not have the side-effect of weight-gain.
Please ask your doctor about NSAIDs
2006-12-20 08:19:36 · answer #4 · answered by Rohan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋