A child’s skin is very sensitive, unlike adults. Skin care for children should be gentle, because skin damage in childhood could carry on until he gets old. A good example is dark spots. These skin blemishes can multiply and grow worse as they get older.
Regarding keratosis and pigmentation, there are risks factors for having them. The two body components that involve these skin disorders are keratin and melanin. Keratosis is the overproduction of keratin (protein component of hair and nails) while pigmentation is the overproduction of melanin (responsible for skin tone). Keratin and melanin are actually important to our body. Protection is their main function, keratin is mainly for head and finger protection while melanin protects the skin. Keratin and melanin are harmless, but too much of it is not good for the skin.
Keratosis
The type of Keratosis condition differs by the factor that causes it or its main attributes.
Actinic Keratosis (also solar keratosis) – commonly found in fair skinned people. Fair skinned people are more sensitive to sunlight. Actinic keratosis causes crusty scaly patches to appear on skin, specially those areas that get more sun exposure.
Keratosis Pilaris – Keratosis pilaris resembles goosebumps. This disorder is genetic and affects hair follicles. Excessive keratin which is accumulated on the hair follicles of the skin causes it.
Seborrheic Keratosis – could resemble actinic keratosis.
The question is how will you protect your children from them? Having these skin disorders is inevitable but you can try to put up some ways to lower risks. Since keratoses are caused by many factors, not just the sunlight, but also by genetic factors, it is hard to prevent. If keratosis is inherent in your family, then possibility of getting it are high. Some keratoses are not curable, but they can be treated or removed. Options include surgery or keratosis removal creams/serums.
Pigmentation
Skin darkening is not really the problem, but it is the hyperpigmentation of skin. Uneven skin tone often caused by a form of hyperpigmentation. Extra ultraviolet rays that the skin absorbs are inhibited by melanin. The quantity of melanin is directly proportional to skin tone. If your child has prolonged sun exposure everyday, then the probability of uneven skin tone is great. Using umbrellas on a bright sunny day is an efficient technique to prevent this. Sunscreens/sunblock can also shield the skin. Uneven skin pigmentation can also be prevented with lotions containing high sun protection factor.
The strength of ultraviolet rays in sunlight during 10 AM up to 4 PM is at its highest so try to avoid staying under the sun at those times. Sunlight is not harmful in small doses, your child also needs it for vitamin D ( for strong bones and prevention of rickets).
