Skin

Skin problems are common in childhood. You will want to know about the early signs of a skin infection, what treatment is available and what to do if the skin condition gets worse.

Eczema & Skin Conditions - Questions & Answers With An Expert

Watch a video live chat with a children's skin doctor. She answers some common eczema and skin care questions from parents.

Animal Bites - What To Do About Them In Children

Animal bites from dogs and cats are common, especially in tamariki. If your child has had an animal bite, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may need treatment.

Insect Bites - What To Do About Them In Children

An insect bite is usually a red itchy bump. There may be a blister in the middle. Sometimes insect bites are painful (especially spider bites) as well as itchy.

How To Stop Skin Infections

There are some simple steps you can take to prevent your child getting a skin infection.

Acne In Teenagers

Acne is a common skin condition that usually starts in the teenage years. It usually clears up after several years, but for some people, it can last a lot longer.

A boil is a tender red lump on the skin. which is caused by an infection of the hair root or sweat pore. Boils are not usually a serious problem. There is a small chance of your child becoming sicker if the infection spreads - if this happens you should take your child to your family doctor.

Cellulitis

Any area of skin can become infected with cellulitis if the skin is broken in some way. Cellulitis is a serious infection that needs treatment with antibiotics.

Cuts, Scratches & Grazes

How to care for cuts, scratches and grazes. If your child has a wound that won't stop bleeding, see your doctor or go to the emergency department.

Eczema In Children

Eczema is a dry skin condition. You can usually control your child's eczema by using lots of moisturiser, a bath once a day and using steroids when your child's skin has active eczema.

How To Get Rid Of Head Lice

Head lice are small insects that live on the human scalp. They are common and cause concern and frustration for parents, children and young people. Dimethicone lotion is a very effective treatment that your family doctor can prescribe - check out our step by step guide.

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

If your child has Henoch-Schonlein purpura, you may first notice a rash. This is caused by inflammation and swelling of the small blood vessels in the skin.

Nappy Rash

The main cause of nappy rash is wearing a wet or dirty nappy for too long. Keep your baby's skin clean and dry.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a flat, ring-shaped infection. See your doctor if the ringworm is on your child's scalp as this needs treatment with medicine.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by a tiny mite which digs under the skin and lays eggs. Small blisters grow on the skin above each egg and the skin gets very itchy.

What To Do About School Sores In Children

School sores (impetigo) are common in children. They are easily spread and need treatment.

Warts

Warts are common, harmless skin growths caused by a virus. Warts will disappear within 2 years, in 2 out of 3 children.

Looking After Your Child's Skin & Treating Skin Infections

A 24 page booklet with information, diagrams and photos about looking after your child's skin and treating skin infections.

Skin Infections - What To Do

Every day check, clean, cover, eat well, sleep. Wash your hands before and after touching infected skin.

Skin Problems In Children

A poster with information about a range of skin conditions comparing early signs and how the skin condition spreads. There is advice about what to do about the skin infection and what to do if it gets worse. There is also advice about how much time your child will need off from school or kura.