Childhood dermatological problems contribute to about one-third of pediatric and dermatological consultations. A child’s skin disorders cause a lot of anxiety in parents. Infections, infestations and dermatitis are common skin problems in children. Skin diseases may vary in different parts of the world according to climatic, genetic, social, ethnic and environmental factors.
Most skin infections among children go away with time, without causing any complications. However, some cases may lead to more serious problems. If such is the case with your child, visit the Best Dermatologist in Karachi as soon as possible.
Here is a list of skin problems that occur in children:
- Warts
Warts are the second most common dermatological complaint. It can happen to people of any age, but children are most prone to getting warts as their immune systems are not fully developed. Warts spread through contact from person to person. They usually do not hurt but can become uncomfortable and get bigger if not treated. Ointments with salicylic or lactic acids are prescribed to treat warts.
- Eczema
Eczema or actopic dermatitis is very common in infants and children. It appears as itchy, red, scaly patches on hands, feet, knees, elbows, face and ears. These patches do not go away on their own. Children with sensitive skin, living in a dry climate are prone to eczema. It mostly appears as an allergic reaction. A dermatologist should be consulted immediately if your child appears to have eczema.
- Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis’s symptoms include skin redness, itching and blistering. It usually occurs due to coming in contact with an allergen or irritant, which triggers the symptoms. The rash normally clears up in two to four weeks. Your dermatologist might suggest application of a topical corticosteroid cream which is an effective treatment for contact dermatitis.
- Scabies
Scabies is very common in school-going children. It is an infestation that affects the skin, and is caused by a mite that burrows into top layers of skin. It causes itchy bumps and blisters on the skin. It is highly contagious and can spread to the whole family through bed linen, towels and couches. The symptoms include an intense itch which is worse at night or after a hot bath. Bumps or blisters are also a sign of scabies. The infection starts when ten or more mites burrow into skin. The symptoms appear two to four weeks after the infection. For the treatment of scabies in children Scabicide lotion is used. For infants, permethrin or sulfur ointment may be used. Malathion lotion is used if permethrin is ineffective.
- Hives or Urticaria
Hives are a very common skin condition in children. They have no known cause and can be acute or chronic. Hives appear as swelling or clusters of red irritated skin. They might appear as an allergic reaction triggered by food, medicines or insect sting or bites. Other causes include exposure to cold or stress. Antihistamine creams are usually suggested to relieve itchiness. Hives are not serious and they go away on their own.
- Impetigo
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection which mostly affects infants and young children. It appears as reddish sores or blisters on the face, especially around the nose, mouth, hand and feet. Impetigo is a bacterial infection and the bacteria enters the skin through a cut, insect bite, injury or through skin damaged by another skin condition like head lice, eczema or scabies. There might be high grade fever and swollen glands in severe cases of impetigo. Since the condition is caused by bacteria it is treated with antibiotic medicines and creams.
- Cellulitis
It is a deep bacterial infection of the skin and typically appears on a child’s face, arms or legs. It can be serious if not treated immediately. Cellulitis occurs when skin is broken, such as with insect bites, cuts and abrasions. It causes warmth, redness, pain, tenderness and skin swelling. The skin may look pitted or blisters may appear on the affected skin. Doctors usually treat it with a course of antibiotic medicines.
- Folliculitis
It begins as a red, tender area near a strand of hair called follicle which may itch, burn or drain pus or blood. It can be caused by bacteria or fungal infection. Folliculitis is not contagious but sometimes it can lead to more serious skin infection so visit a dermatologist at the National Hospital & Medical Centre if it does not clear up on its own.
