CHILD’S HEALTH/SKIN DISORDERS: PALE SKIN AND STRETCH MARKS
PALE SKIN
If you notice that your child is looking pale, that is, that his skin is whiteish, it is rarely a cause for concern. It is normal for fair-skinned children to look pale, especially in winter months because of lack of sunshine, or when they are cold.
Pale skin due to anaemia (a low level of red blood cells in the blood) is rare in children.
When to see your doctor
• if you suspect that your child is anaemic;
• if your child is generally unwell and pale;
• if your child has been bruising easily, having lots of nosebleeds, or easily becomes dizzy or short of breath.
STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks are marks on the skin caused by periods of rapid growth or weight gain, as in puberty. They are caused by a loss of elasticity in the skin. At first they appear as red streaks on areas such as the hips, breasts, buttocks and thighs, and with time fade to a silvery colour. They never disappear completely and creams tnat claim to remove them are useless and a waste of money. Stretch marks most commonly appear in adolescent girls. Encourage your child to accept stretch marks as a normal part of growth.
*335\90\8*
