Common Skin Conditions in Children

Statistics show dermatologists handle more than 12 million skin conditions in children every year in the U. S.A. Dr. Michael Paltiel has extensive experience in pediatric dermatology and addressing skin problems from infants to teens. Discover the different skin conditions common in children and potential therapeutic modalities.

What causes skin conditions in children?

Many types of skin conditions may affect your little one. They can happen due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. They may also include rashes caused by skin inflammation.

Skin problems in children may range from hives, to eczema, and cellulitis. The most common conditions include:

• Heat rash: Heat rash typically occurs when the skin is subject to excessive heat and sweating. The heat rash may allow sweat to escape from its gland and irritate the surrounding tissue. It causes pimple-like protrusions on the skin. Adults can get a heat rash, but it is more prevalent in children.
• Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis happens when a toxin affects skin tissues. The agent may be a fragrance, makeup, or textile. Symptoms include minute red pimples and bumps. The symptoms may subside after seven to 14 days. But treatment is necessary for severe cases.
• Scabies: Scabies affects a fifth of children between five and 14. It occurs when the itch mite lodges onto the skin. Scabies is highly contagious. Close to half of the cases may cause severe symptoms. But it often responds to treatment.
• Eczema: Eczema is a condition often emerging in the early years of childhood. It is characterized by severe skin irritation and rough spots. It happens in cycles of repeating incidences of severe and mild symptoms. Food or seasonal allergies could trigger flare-ups that worsen symptoms.
• Impetigo: Impetigo is a bacterial skin condition that occurs from infection by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. It spreads quickly and often occurs on the visible areas of the skin. The initial phases are characterized by red and itchy rashes. At later stages, the spot may change color to yellow.
• Ringworms: Ringworms happen when the skin succumbs to fungal infections. It forms a ring with a smooth center and rough, scaly edges. It is contagious and spreads through skin contact.

Treatment for skin conditions in children

Your pediatric dermatologist may apply various modalities to address skin problems. You can manage some issues with rest. Observing hygiene and keeping the area clean could limit the rash. You may also eliminate skincare products irritating the skin to manage the condition.

Conditions like impetigo may require antibiotics to contain the infection. Antifungal ointments can address ringworms and prevent them from spreading.

Lifestyle adjustments are critical for managing eczema in children. Your dermatologist can teach you skincare routines that limit the occurrence of flares. Management of the condition may involve avoiding allergens and skin care products with inflammatory triggers.

Advanced biologic therapy involves infusing medication and anti-inflammatory agents intravenously. It could be necessary for severe cases of skin conditions like eczema. Your dermatologist may recommend vaccinations to prevent viral infections. To schedule a dermatologist consultation, contact Adult and Pediatric Dermatology or schedule an appointment online.