Is My 1-Year-Old Getting Too Much Ketein Cream? Pediatric Skin Care Tips

Dosage of Ketoconazole Cream

Hello doctor, my daughter is currently 1 year and 2 months old.
She often scratches her skin until it becomes red and develops rashes, and sometimes it even breaks the skin.
I have been applying Desitin to her.
Is it too much to use about a whole tube at her age? Will using it since she was 1-2 months old have any effects?

Mr. Shi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/01

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Cortine cream contains a medium-potency corticosteroid and is not suitable for long-term use (unless deemed necessary by a physician).
It is also not appropriate for use on thinner skin areas (such as the face) or on open wounds.
Given that young children are more vulnerable, it is advisable to have a dermatologist evaluate the affected area before using corticosteroid ointments.

Reply Date: 2017/02/01

More Info

When it comes to the use of topical steroids like Ketein Cream (which contains a medium-strength steroid), it is crucial to approach treatment with caution, especially in young children. Your daughter, at 1 year and 2 months old, is at a sensitive age where her skin is still developing, and the use of steroids can have significant implications.

Topical steroids are effective in reducing inflammation and treating various skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis. However, they are not intended for long-term use without medical supervision. Prolonged use can lead to skin thinning, stretch marks, and other adverse effects, particularly in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the face or skin folds. Given your daughter's age and the fact that she has been using Ketein Cream, it is essential to evaluate whether this treatment is appropriate for her specific condition.

Regarding the amount of Ketein Cream you have been applying, it is important to follow the guidelines for topical steroid use. The "fingertip unit" method is often used to measure the appropriate amount of cream. A fingertip unit is the amount of cream that can be squeezed from a tube onto the tip of an adult's index finger, which is generally enough to cover an area twice the size of the palm of the hand. For a child, especially one as young as your daughter, the amount should be adjusted accordingly. If you find that you have used an entire tube in a short period, it may be excessive, and you should consult a pediatric dermatologist for further evaluation.

As for the use of Ketein Cream on infants as young as 1-2 months, it is generally advised to avoid using topical steroids on very young children unless absolutely necessary and prescribed by a healthcare professional. The skin of infants is more permeable and sensitive, which increases the risk of systemic absorption of the steroid, leading to potential side effects.

In addition to considering the use of Ketein Cream, it is essential to incorporate a comprehensive skincare routine for your daughter. Here are some pediatric skin care tips that may help:
1. Moisturization: Regularly apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. This can help reduce dryness and irritation, which may be contributing to her scratching.

2. Bathing Practices: Use lukewarm water for baths and limit bath time to 10-15 minutes. Avoid harsh soaps and opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers. After bathing, apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp to lock in moisture.

3. Avoid Irritants: Identify and avoid potential irritants, such as certain fabrics, soaps, or detergents that may exacerbate her skin condition.

4. Nail Care: Keep her nails trimmed short to minimize skin damage from scratching. Consider using cotton gloves or mittens at night to prevent her from scratching while she sleeps.

5. Consult a Specialist: If her skin condition persists or worsens, it is crucial to seek advice from a pediatric dermatologist. They can provide a tailored treatment plan and may suggest alternative therapies or medications that are safer for her age.

In summary, while Ketein Cream can be effective for treating certain skin conditions, its use in young children should be carefully monitored. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that your daughter receives the most appropriate and safe treatment for her skin issues.

Similar Q&A

Managing Pediatric Skin Issues: Understanding Seborrheic vs. Eczema

Hello doctor, my baby will turn four months old on November 7th and has not started solid foods yet. After the first month, his skin condition worsened. The pediatrician diagnosed him with seborrheic dermatitis, while the dermatologist said it is atopic dermatitis. The dermatolog...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
1. Occasional short-term use of hydrocortisone is not harmful for itching, but long-term management should focus on skin care to avoid dependency. 2. Hydrocortisone has a wide safety margin; in more severe cases, a higher dosage may be permissible, so discuss this with your phy...

Skin Care Tips for Babies Under Two: Scar Cream and Rash Solutions

Is Mederma Scar Gel suitable for children under two years old? Additionally, can regular soap be used to wash the hands of a one-year-old? There are rough small rashes on the back, and using diaper rash cream has not been effective; it has spread to the upper arms as well. Should...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
You can take a look at the insert or instruction manual inside the box of the Merz Scar Gel; in principle, it is usable. Washing hands is fine. As for the rash on the back, it needs to be examined to determine the cause.

Is Corticosteroid Cream Safe for Infants Under Three Months?

Is Keting cream suitable for treating infants with hemangiomas? Is it appropriate to apply this cream on a two-month-old baby, considering the warning that it is not suitable for infants under three months?

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: Please recall whether the doctor advised you that treatment was not necessary and that observation would suffice. This is because a certain type of infantile hemangioma will naturally regress as it grows, and prior to regression, it is important to avoid injury and infecti...

Understanding Skin Reactions and Nutrition in Infants: A Pediatric Guide

Hello Dr. Lin: I would like to ask you a few questions... 1. My daughter is currently seven months old. Recently, she has been bitten multiple times by mosquitoes on the soles of her feet and around her ankles, and the skin around her feet is very red and somewhat swollen. She al...

Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics
Dear Dr. Lin Huizhen, Director of Pediatrics at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: 1. This type of ointment can be applied, but it is advisable to prevent some children from licking their feet. You may consider putting on socks after applying the medication. ...