Kampala — Ask the doctor with Dr. Paulâ-àSemugoma

Dear Doctor,

My one-year-old niece has a bad skin rash. I have used many drugs but it has persisted. What can I do?

Nandi

Dear Nandi,

THERE is a skin allergy called atopic eczema. The skin itches. When the child scratches herself, the skin may break, become dark, thickened and rough. It may ooze fluid and a rash may occur. The scratches can become infected.

This condition is incurable, but it may improve. To make the child comfortable:

Use only cotton clothes.

Use mild soaps for bathing

Avoid over-drying the skin. Use a lotion immediately after bathing.

See a paediatrician (children's doctor) for drugs to control the itching. Also take the child for HIV test, if they are an orphan and follow the doctor's advice.