Eczema

Dear Dr. Jen,

My daughter plays with her classmates all the time.  And I noticed her classmate has rashes on the arms and behind the legs.  I didn’t want to be tactless but I would like to ask if it is contagious.  How can I tell if something is infectious?

Dina

Dear Dina,

Some rashes, while intimidating to look at, can actually just be something like allergies or eczema.  Itchy rashes on the arms and behind the legs, usually brought about by the summer heat is totally not contagious.  Some viral exanthems or bacteria-caused rashes, which are infectious, may mimic eczema but this is accompanied by fever and some cough, colds or sore eyes.

The infectious skin diseases that you may want to look out for are warts.  They can come as small, pearly white growths on the skin. Or they may be firm and rough bumps, with black dots inside.  Among children, you find it on their faces, hands or feet. These are more troublesome to treat since viral warts spread very fast.

Dear Dr Jen,

Is it possible to be allergic to socks?  I noticed that whenever I use socks, my ankles start to itch.  Sometimes the itchiness spreads to my calves and it can be uncontrollable.  What can I apply on my rashes?

Ronald

Dear Ronald,

Socks can definitely be allergenic.  This is due to the elastic or latex component found in socks.  Some people can be very sensitive to this as well as other rubber products.

Treatment is simple with the use of anti-inflammatory creams and lotions. Taking antihistamine tablets for a week or two will also curb the urge to scratch.  However, the more daunting challenge is to avoid recurrence of the allergies.

Latex allergies are likely to be lifetime so finding alternatives to the regular latex or spandex socks is important.  Organic cotton socks are a safer bet.  Or if you can get away with simply using foot powders to absorb moisture, it will also prevent the rash from returning.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.