Skin · 5 min read
Light patches: pityriasis alba, vitiligo and tinea versicolor
Three common causes of pale patches, how to tell them apart, and which ones need a doctor.
Written for
For children
Babies', children's and teenagers' skin, hair and nails, written for parents and carers.
29 articles
Skin · 5 min read
Sunscreen for dark skin
Yes, darker skin needs sunscreen. Here is why, and how to choose one without a white cast.
Children · 4 min read
Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)
A fungal infection that causes scaly patches and hair loss, common in children.
Children · 4 min read
Eczema in babies and children
Dry, itchy patches in little ones: a calm, practical plan for parents.
Children · 4 min read
Cradle cap
Greasy yellow scales on a baby's scalp are harmless and gentle care is enough.
Children · 4 min read
Molluscum contagiosum
Small pearly bumps in children: harmless and usually clear on their own.
Children · 4 min read
Pale patches on a child's face (pityriasis alba)
Faint pale patches on children's cheeks are common and harmless.
Children · 4 min read
Sun protection for children
Simple habits that protect growing skin, even darker skin.
Children · 4 min read
Gentle bathing for babies and children
How to bathe little ones without drying their skin.
Children · 4 min read
When a child's rash is urgent
The glass test, and the warning signs that mean you should seek emergency care now.
Children · 4 min read
Milia in newborns
Tiny white spots on a newborn's nose and cheeks are normal and clear without treatment.
Children · 4 min read
Baby acne
Little red or white spots on a baby's face in the first weeks: common and temporary.
Children · 4 min read
Heat rash (prickly heat)
Tiny itchy bumps from blocked sweat glands in hot weather, and how to cool them.
Children · 4 min read
Insect bites in children
Itchy bumps from mosquitoes and other insects, and how to prevent malaria-carrying bites.
Children · 4 min read
Scabies
Intense itching, worse at night, that spreads through families. Treat everyone together.
Children · 4 min read
Impetigo
Crusty "honey-coloured" sores that spread easily, and need prompt treatment.
Children · 4 min read
Warts in children
Rough bumps on hands and feet: harmless, and most go away on their own.
Children · 4 min read
Birthmarks: what is normal and when to check
Most birthmarks are harmless. Here is a guide to the common ones and the few that need a doctor.
Children · 4 min read
Children's hair care: braiding, detangling and no relaxers
Gentle routines for children's curls, and why tight styles and relaxers can harm young scalps.
Children · 4 min read
Acne in teenagers
Spots in the teenage years are normal and very treatable; early care prevents dark marks and scars.
Children · 4 min read
Body odour and puberty hygiene
A calm, practical guide for parents and pre-teens as bodies change.
Children · 4 min read
A simple skin routine for school-age children
Easy habits for children aged 5 to 12 that protect skin for life.
Children · 4 min read
Choosing safe products for children
What to look for on the label, and what to leave on the shelf.
Myth vs fact · 4 min read
Myth: "Eczema is caused by dirt"
Eczema is a barrier and immune condition — over-washing makes it worse.
Myth vs fact · 4 min read
Myth: "Baby powder is good for nappy rash"
Powders don't protect skin and can be inhaled; barrier creams work better.
