Massage therapy for skin conditions in young children.

Two studies are reviewed that highlight the positive effects of massage therapy on skin conditions in young children. In the first study children being treated on a burn trauma unit received 30-minute massages before debridement or dressing change. The children who received massage therapy were more relaxed during the procedure. In the study on children with eczema, those who were massaged during the application of their skin medication showed less anxiety after the massage sessions. Across the massage period the children also showed an improved clinical condition including less redness, lichenification, scaling, excoriation, and pruritus.