Skin diseases that develop in early childhood often coincide with the introduction of a new food, exposure to a new chemical or an emotional trigger. Young children still have immune systems that have had limited exposure to challenges. There are many triggers at this age that can cause skin rashes and it is often helpful you look at the health and childhood health of the parents to gain clues for any possible triggers.
Both psoriasis and pityriasis are considered to be inflammatory skin diseases. Whilst psoriasis is considered to be more of a longer term skin disease pityriasis is often self limiting and disappears within six weeks of the initial lesion. Pityriasis is often accompanied by several symptoms that suggest an immune reaction - these include a sore throat, headache, fever and nausea. In young children intervention internally is often limited by age and their ability to deal with even natural based chemicals.
It is important however to address the immune system, this is achieved by investigating and treating the digestive function of the child. In children with allergies, skin disorders and behavioural problems there is often a common undercurrent of digestive function that is not quite 100%. Digestive health is of great importance as it houses and regulates immune function, and the digestive system is one of the body systems that is exposed daily to external influences in the form of food, drink etc.
I suggest that you pay careful attention to your daughter’s rashes and their relationship to her food, bowel movements and digestive comfort. For example does she bloat, get abdominal pain, burp, or hiccough. You may wish to start your daughter on a digestive probiotic to improve her digestive flora and help regulate a correct immune response. Products like Inner Health for Kids and Natren are suitable for a child of her age.
Identifying food triggers is often a lengthy process but one worth initiating, this can been done by keeping a diet diary and recording any changes in her symptoms. You may wish to consult a Naturopath who can guide you through exclusion and challenge diets. As a general rule avoid artificial additives, preservatives and excess sugars. Sticking to a diet that contains whole foods such as vegetables, fruits and unprocessed grains will make a huge difference. The inclusion or exclusion of dairy needs to be discussed with your Naturopath or health professional.
Finally there are several promising creams on the market that provide symptomatic relief from the itch and redness. These include Hopes Relief, Moo Goo: Eczema and psoriasis, and the use of non irritating soaps such as Billy Goat soap that do not contain sodium lauryl sulphate (a know irritant that is used as a foaming agent in shampoos and soaps). Identifying harmful chemicals in washes, shampoos and creams that are placed on the skin is also essential in a sensitive individual.