Children development is a journey. Depending on the age of the baby, some problems are easily identified. Little ones who can express themselves make it easy for the caregiver to address the issue. However, babies and children with special conditions that cannot talk totally are at the mercies of parents and adults around them.
We had a conversation with Mr. Peterson, founder of Pranicura and he encouraged all parents not to sweat though. It is very easy to tell if a child has the anal itch as they naturally scratch around the anus. He provided some of the possible reasons:
Pinworms
These are most common in children. One way of diagnosing pinworms is through keen observation. With pinworm victims, the irritation intensifies at night as the female pinworm gets out through the anus to lay eggs. Take a flashlight and check the areas around the anus. You may spot a worm. Another way to establish is by pressing a transparent adhesive tape around the anus before the baby wakes up and get the doctor to check for the eggs.
An oral anti-parasitic medicine treats pinworms. For effective results, the whole family is treated. Observe high levels of hygiene to eliminate re-infections.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
The female anatomy exposes girls to higher chances of UTIs, making it twice common in girls than boys. Discomfort and irritation around the anus are some of the signs of a UTI. Others are foul smelling urine, burning sensation when passing urine, frequent pee-urge that only dispel very small amounts. In some cases, irritability and fever are the only signs.
Children easily develop UTIs as their immune system is still low and therefore can easily pick infections from toilets. Other causes of UTI in children are due to compromised hygiene. As children are still learning, they may not clean themselves well after visiting the toilet.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is quite common in babies and toddlers. These are easily visible as you will notice a rash around your babies’ genitals between diaper changes. The babies may also itch when you remove the diapers. Try and leave the babies for some time without a diaper. Also change the diapers often and use high absorbent ones to limit moisture. There are creams over the counter that helps in eliminating and preventing diaper rash.
Yeast Infections
Diaper rashes often clear without any intervention. However, when they persist for days, check for yeast infection. Yeast infections can present as satellite lesions and angry red rash with raised borders on a scaly skin. Children on antibiotics, who have recently suffered from thrush, or prolonged diaper rash are susceptible to yeast infections.
Anti-fungal or anti-yeast creams like clotrimazole, nystatin, or miconazole help clear yeast infections. Also, expose the baby’s bottom to the air as much as possible.
Diagnosis and prompt treatment in children are crucial. Though hard, try and discourage the child from itching as this worsens the condition. Also avoid citric, acidic and spicy food in the babies’ diet when dealing with anal itching as they may make the condition worse. Such foods include tomatoes, dairy products, oranges, chili pepper among others. Clean the baby well after every bowel movement or when changing the diapers.