Worried about the rash, bump, swelling or welt on your kid’s skin? Skin conditions in children mostly occur due to allergies, sickness, heat, and cold. Most of which are easily treatable but some may require attention. Some of the common skin conditions in children divided into inflammatory skin disorders, lumps, and bumps, infections and infestations are listed below:
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• Acne in children
• Bug bites and stings
• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Prickly heat or heat rash
• Diaper rash
• Urticaria
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Psoriasis in childhood
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• Alopecia areata
• Head lice
• Tinea capitis
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• Vitiligo
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• Birthmarks
• Milia
• Mole
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Viral wart
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• Boil
• Chickenpox
• Fifth disease
• Impetigo
• Hand foot and mouth disease
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Pityriasis rosea
• Scabies
• Scarlet fever
• Ringworm
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Read the article to know more about some common skin findings in children.
Diaper rash
A diaper rash is a condition that causes skin irritation in the diaper-covered region. It is also called a diaper or nappy dermatitis. Contact irritation is the most common cause. There will be a bright red puffy rash around your child’s genitals and bottom. It may or may not involve skin folds. There can be Pimples, ulcers, blisters, large bumps, or pus-filled sores. The skin may feel warm to the touch. It most commonly affects babies aged 3 to 15 months of age, especially those wearing traditional cloth nappies (50%) and is much less prevalent in babies wearing modern breathable and multilayered disposable nappies.
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that is very common in children. It is also known as atopic dermatitis and is usually described as a red itchy rash which may be rough or irritated, scaly, and can become oozing, typically on the forehead, cheeks, arms and legs in infants, and around elbows, knees, and ankles in older children. Avoiding known triggers, such as harsh soaps, bubble baths, overheating and sweating, wool and polyester clothing, and the liberal use of moisturizers can help in preventing eczema.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand foot and mouth disease (HFM) is a common short-lasting mild viral infection most commonly affecting young children and is characterized by blisters on the hands, feet and in the mouth. Infection is commonly caused by coxsackievirus A16. Hand foot mouth infection is usually an infection of the spring season with symptoms starting with mild fever, malaise followed by rashes. It also causes mouth sores that are painful and can interfere with eating and drinking in some cases. It is extremely contagious, and spreads through contact, often by coughing and sneezing.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious, non-threatening viral infection in which a child develops extremely itchy blisters all over the body. It is an airborne disease, which can easily spread through coughing and sneezing from an infected person. The disease starts with mild fever, malaise, headache, lack of appetite, and mild abdominal pain for 1 to 2 days.
Chickenpox rashes appear usually 1-2 days after the first symptoms Child starts to develop small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters over the surface of the skin. It typically starts on a child’s trunk and then spreads to the rest of their body, including their arms, legs, and head.
Rashes first appear like pinkish dots and then develop into a blister. It is very itchy and very contagious but can be prevented with a chickenpox vaccine.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin viral infection of the skin caused by a poxvirus. Molluscum contagiosum is typically small, dome-shaped, flesh-colored or pink lesions and can have a small indentation in their center. It usually appears on the face, neck, armpits, arms, and tops of the hands in case of children. Molluscum contagiosum is common in children, who are younger the age of 5 and also in younger adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems. It lasts longer in children who also have atopic eczema, due to deficiencies in the skin barrier. Molluscum typically disappears in about 2 to 3 months but it depends on person to person
Warts
Warts are small, usually painless local growths on the skin caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts vary in size, shape, and appearance. It can appear anywhere on the body but appears most commonly on hands in children. Warts will probably be the same color as your baby’s skin, but can also be lighter or darker. Some warts will go away on their own without any treatment but it may take months, or even years, to disappear. Warts are not dangerous but are contagious, may persist for one to two years if left untreated and can spread from person to person.
Hives (urticaria)
Urticaria also known as hives, is a skin allergy that causes swollen, raised, reddish, itchy bumpy skin with burning and stinging sensation. It appears often in response to an allergen such as nuts, eggs, and shellfish or medicine.
Hives are very common in children, and they’re not contagious. Hives can show up anywhere on the body and can last for few or days. It can be a serious problem if hives come with breathing troubles or face swelling hence require immediate treatment.
For more information, you can visit WebMD and VeryWellHealth.
