Eczema is a skin illness that affects babies, causing red, scaly skin. Children experience flare-ups such as inflamed, raw and weepy skin. In babies, eczema begins on the cheeks and spreads to other areas of the body like the front of the legs and arms.

In older kids, eczema often affects the sides of the neck, the elbow creases, and the backs of the knees. Exposure to certain substances such as soaps, wool fibres and shampoos trigger inflamed, itchy skin. Moisturising creams and steroid ointments relieve itchy and dry skin.

Birthmarks are coloured patches that are visible on the skin. They are often present at birth but can also develop later. There are several types of birthmarks, and some of them are extremely common. The two main groups are:

• Vascular birthmarks: Vascular birthmarks are caused by unhealthy blood vessels in or under the skin presenting as red, purple or pink lesions.
• Pigmented birthmarks: Pigmented birthmarks are caused by groups of pigment cells and present as brown, tan, grey or blueish lesions.

Most of the time, birthmarks don't need to be treated. Some will fade over time, whereas other types will be permanent if not treated. In some cases, a birthmark will need to be treated to prevent complications.

Diaper rash is a visible skin rash that appears anywhere in the area that is covered by a diaper. It is very common, and there are many possible causes.

Babies are susceptible to diaper rash when their nappies aren't changed regularly or have sensitive skin and experience chafing. Good hygiene, regular nappy changes and keeping baby’s bottom dry prevent diaper rash caused by irritation. Perfumes or dyes in a diaper can cause allergic contact dermatitis, and certain infections and skin conditions like Seborrhoeic dermatitis can also cause diaper rash. Treatments for diaper rash will depend on the cause and could be corticosteroid or antifungal creams or oral antibiotics.

Children are prone to bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections. Boils, cellulitis and impetigo are bacterial skin infections that can be treated through prescription antibiotics.

Tinea (Ringworm) is a fungal skin infection and commonly affects the scalp in young children. Ringworm can recur, so treatment may need to be repeated to prevent future outbreaks. Children are prescribed oral antifungal medicine to treat ringworm of the scalp. Topical ointments and monthly shampoo remedies are other forms of treatment for Tinea in children.

Viral infections such as Rubella, Measles, Chickenpox, Herpes labialis (cold sores) and warts are common in children. These conditions are highly contagious, but luckily vaccinations prevent most of these infections, or symptoms might be very mild.