The appearance of white patches on the skin of a toddler is enough to get any parent all worked up. Most parents assume that these patches are a sign of calcium or other nutritional deficiencies. However, there are many different factors that can cause white patches around the mouth and few have anything to do with your little one's diet.
In order to control these patches, it is important that you identify their exact cause first and therefore, you need to consult a pediatrician or a skin specialist immediately. As the skin conditions prevalent in children are unique, try to look for a pediatric dermatologist. Your daughter will have to undergo a physical exam and perhaps a few other tests (if required). Given below are some of the possible causes that white patches can be attributed to:
- Fungal infections like tinea versicolor and ringworm
- Pre-genetic disposition or heredity
- Pigment problems like vitiligo disease
- Skin disorders like eczema or pityriasis alba
- Allergic reactions to certain foods or skincare products
- Healing from an injury or inflammation
The treatment path for white patches may vary considerably, depending upon its causes. In case of an infection, your doctor may recommend topical antifungal creams, lotions and soaps. There are no cures for conditions like vitiligo, eczema and pityriasis alba. However keeping your daughter's skin moisturized can help enhance its appearance over a period of time. In case any allergies are identified, you will need to avoid the foods and products that are causing the problem completely.
Fortunately, there are several home remedies that help in reducing white patches on the skin. You could try topical application of:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Basil essential oil, diluted with olive oil or almond oil
- Cabbage juice
- Fig paste
- Ginger paste, mixed with lemon juice and water
- Honey
- Radish leaves, round to a thick paste, mixed with white vinegar
- Walnut paste
Do remember that white patches on the skin are quite common in children and they could appear for no apparent reason. Very often, these also disappear after a while, without any medical intervention, but may recur. However, it is always essential to get these patches examined by a specialist, so that future flare-ups can be avoided. Set up an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist as early as possible.
answered by G R