A look into Kids Health: Skin Infections

I have an active child who loves to play outdoors, so it is no surprise that she gets scrapes, wounds, or even insect bites from time to time. It becomes more worrying when she tends to touch and scratch it, making it more susceptible to infections. As a mom, I can’t help but concerned about her safety and her skin. Admittedly, Google has been my go-to source for information, especially now that there is a pandemic. 

And so I am grateful that Mamacademy Ph in partnership First Aid Kids PH hosted a live Facebook session about Kids Health: Skin Infection last July 3. It is reassuring to hear information about skin infections straight from the Head of the Pediatric Dermatology Unit of RITM, Dr. Gisella Adasa.

I want to share three key takeaways that I learned from the session, which I hope will also help you, my fellow moms, in protecting their child against skin infections.

Viruses, bacteria, or fungi can cause Skin Infections.

The top layer of the skin, epidermis, acts as a natural barrier against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. However, these microbes can pass through when the skin has a cut or a wound. Hence, it is essential to administer first aid as soon as the injury occurs to prevent the pathogens from entering the skin layer.

You can watch the ParenTEAM: Basic First Aid session over at Mamacademy’s Facebook page for more information on Basic First Aid.

Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

Bacterial Skin Infections are treatable.

Bacterial skin infections are painful and uncomfortable, and so we need to watch out for the first signs of infection. Most common bacterial skin infection results in red and painful skin around a cut or wound, pus or fluid leaking from the skin, a red, warm lump under the skin, or even crusts or blisters on the skin.

You can use Foskina ointment to treat common bacterial skin infections like impetigo, furuncles. However, as Dr. Selah stressed, always exercise anti-biotic stewardship. Only apply anti-biotic as recommended by your doctor.

If you see the infected skin getting worse or larger or if your child develops a fever, consult with your pediatric-dermatologist for proper medical attention.

Bacterial Skin infections are contagious, but you can stop it from spreading.

Did you know that 20% of children that go for doctor’s consultation are because of bacterial infection?

It is quite common for kids to acquire it because the bacteria can be quickly passed on through their hands. To add to it, the warm and humid climate of our country helps the bacteria development. 

Good physical hygiene is the key to prevent bacterial skin infection, and so we must remind all family members to practice these activities.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol and hand sanitizer but use it with caution because these might dry your kid’s skin.
• Take a bath daily.
• Do not share personal items like towels, washcloths, masks, or razors.
• Sanitize frequently touched items at home like doorknobs, tables, or light switches.
• If you have pets at home, make sure to check on their skin too. Please bring them to the veterinarian in case they are unwell or have skin irritations. 

Wasn’t that very informative? These are just the highlights, and you can learn more when you watch the full session over at Mamacademy’s Facebook page. Share it with your family and friends so that they can benefit and learn from the session too.