Toddler rash on face, arms and legs after applying sunscreen?

(September 21, 2011)

How to cure toddler rash on arms and legs?

Toddler rashes are not uncommon and are caused by a variety of factors like exposure to excessive cold, lack of hygiene, certain infections, reaction to drugs, and allergic reactions. This leads to rashes on legs and arms and also on other parts of the body. Some of the effective and easy remedies for toddler rash on arms and legs are as under:

First and foremost, you should keep the toddler’s surroundings clean and hygienic. Also, keep the child away from excessive heat and moisture.
You can apply aloe vera gel on the rashes to soothe the itching and inflammation.
Cold compresses also work well for immediate relief from the rashes.
A pinch of baking powder can be added to the bath water of your toddler to relieve the rashes on the arms and legs. However, do not rub the rashes with this.
You can also apply calendula extract on the rashes to speed up recovery.
A few drops of tea tree oil in your toddler’s bath water also works as an effective remedy. Tea tree oil is antimicrobial in action and prevents conditions that cause rashes like measles, chicken pox, impetigo, cold sores, and dermatitis, among others.

In case the rashes are severe and persistent, you should consult a pediatrician.

Submitted by N H on September 21, 2011 at 07:31

As a parent, you are always trying to protect your baby from harm, always providing the best food, the best health care and the best environment. In this effort, you may have also wanted to protect your toddler against the harsh rays of the sun, by applying generous amounts of sunscreen on her/his face, arms and legs.

However, sometimes it does not have the desired effect, and you find your toddler breaking out in a horrible rash all over the body. The rash may be severe or mild, and it may take you a few days to connect the two together, but sunscreen could be the cause.

What does it look like

The skin could become red and itchy, or clusters of little blisters or pimples may break out. In severe cases, pus could also form.

Causes

Sunscreen contains loads of chemicals, and your baby’s skin is still very sensitive and fragile, and absorbs the toxic chemicals. The rash could be an allergic reaction to the harsh chemical in the sunscreen.

Remedies to heal sunscreen rash

Toddler rash usually stays for a few days and subsides, as the toxic chemicals of the sunscreen are excreted from the body. If in the meantime it is too itchy and uncomfortable, it would be best to take recourse to home remedies.

•   Your doctor may prescribe a soothing lotion like calamine.

•   Aloe vera is very soothing. You may use aloe vera gel or lotion, or take a bit from a fresh leaf.

•   Dairy products like milk and yogurt also help to relieve allergic rash. You can apply yogurt directly to the area, or dip a small towel in milk, and then apply it.

•   Chamomile tea, as well as ordinary tea also helps to soothe the rash. Steep 5 to 6 tea bags in a teapot. Refrigerate it, and then soak small towels and apply to the rashes. You can also bathe your baby in water which has been mixed with tea-water.

•   Baking soda is also effective in such conditions. You can apply a paste of baking soda mixed with a little water, on the affected areas. Or you can dissolve a few spoonfuls of baking soda in bath water, and let your baby soak in it for a few minutes. Another way to use baking soda is to dissolve 2 teaspoons of it in 2 cups of water, fill a spray bottle and spritz it on.

•   Cornstarch can also be used in the same ways as baking soda.

•   Oatmeal is also effective in treating body rashes. You can soak a cupful in bathwater.

Prevention is better than cure

•   Instead of commercial sunscreens, you can apply a home-made one by combining olive oil, coconut oil and green tea extract.

•   Also, avoid taking your toddler out when the sun is too strong.

Submitted by P T on March 17, 2010 at 05:16