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What Causes Dry Patches On Skin?

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Posted on Sat, 4 Oct 2014
Question: My 8 month old son has dry patches near his shoulder. Initially i thought it dry skin due to winter but they looks like are spreading and are becomin darker. Please let me know if i should be worried and if should consult a doctor.
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It seems to be infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for posting at HealthCareMagic. I have gone through the problem stated by you and the images attached. It seems to be infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis which. Possibly it has to do with overactive sebaceous glands in the skin of newborn babies, due to the mother's hormones still in the baby's circulation. There may be a relationship with skin yeasts (Malassezia) which often cause the lighter areas (hypopigmentation) visible in the image. The treatment is generally the use of simple baby soap and moisturisers. If it does not improve with frequent washing or if the rash spreads to other areas, medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole (may be used on body too) may be used along with hydrocortisone cream for any inflamed or reddened areas.

It is not a serious condition and is only temporary. It usually clears up by the time the child is six to twelve months old but may occasionally persist for longer. Seborrhoeic dermatitis may then occur again after the child reaches puberty. A different form of dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (infantile eczema), often develops as the seborrhoeic dermatitis is improving.

Read more at: XXXX

I hope that you would be able to handle the situation better with the above information. Feel free to revert back in case of further queries if any.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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What Causes Dry Patches On Skin?

Brief Answer: It seems to be infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis Detailed Answer: Thanks for posting at HealthCareMagic. I have gone through the problem stated by you and the images attached. It seems to be infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis which. Possibly it has to do with overactive sebaceous glands in the skin of newborn babies, due to the mother's hormones still in the baby's circulation. There may be a relationship with skin yeasts (Malassezia) which often cause the lighter areas (hypopigmentation) visible in the image. The treatment is generally the use of simple baby soap and moisturisers. If it does not improve with frequent washing or if the rash spreads to other areas, medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole (may be used on body too) may be used along with hydrocortisone cream for any inflamed or reddened areas. It is not a serious condition and is only temporary. It usually clears up by the time the child is six to twelve months old but may occasionally persist for longer. Seborrhoeic dermatitis may then occur again after the child reaches puberty. A different form of dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (infantile eczema), often develops as the seborrhoeic dermatitis is improving. Read more at: XXXX I hope that you would be able to handle the situation better with the above information. Feel free to revert back in case of further queries if any.