RASH & OTHER SKIN PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN

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Rash & other skin problems in children: Curious about that unusual rash, bump, or welt on your child’s skin? Various factors like illness, allergies, or temperature changes often lead to such skin conditions in kids. Fortunately, most of these skin changes are minor and easily treatable. By familiarizing yourself with their appearances, you can recognize many of them. However, it’s always wise to consult your child’s doctor for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t caused by worms and may not necessarily be itchy. It’s triggered by a fungus that thrives on dead skin, hair, and nail tissues. Initially, it appears as a red, scaly patch or bump, followed by a distinctive itchy red ring with raised, blistered, or scaly borders. Ringworm spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal, as well as by sharing personal items like towels or sports gear. Treatment typically involves antifungal creams prescribed by a doctor.

Fifth Disease

This contagious illness, usually mild, typically resolves within a couple of weeks. It begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a rash on the face and body, often described as a “slapped cheek” appearance. The fifth disease spreads through coughing and sneezing, with the highest contagiousness occurring before the rash emerges. Treatment primarily involves rest, hydration, and pain relievers (avoid giving aspirin to children). If a child contracts the fifth disease, and if you’re pregnant, it’s crucial to inform your doctor.

Chickenpox

Once prevalent, chickenpox occurrences have diminished significantly in today’s children, largely due to vaccination. This highly contagious illness manifests with an itchy rash and red spots or blisters covering the entire body. The spots progress through various stages, including blistering, bursting, drying, and crusting over. Given its potential seriousness, it’s recommended that all young children receive the chickenpox vaccine. Teens and adults who haven’t had the disease or vaccine should also consider getting vaccinated.

Impetigo

Caused by bacteria, impetigo presents as red sores or blisters that may rupture, ooze, and form a yellow-brown crust. While these sores can appear anywhere on the body, they’re commonly found around the mouth and nose. Impetigo spreads through close contact or by sharing items like towels and toys. Scratching can exacerbate the spread to other body parts. Treatment typically involves antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Warts

These peculiar, yet mostly harmless, painless growths on the skin are caused by a virus. Warts are highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person or through contact with contaminated objects. They’re commonly found on fingers and hands. To prevent their spread, advise your child against picking or biting warts and encourage covering them with bandages. Warts can be effectively treated with a freezing procedure performed by a healthcare professional.

Heat Rash (‘Prickly Heat’)

Heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, resulting in small red or pink pimples. It’s often observed on the head, neck, and shoulders of babies, especially when they’re overdressed in hot weather. To prevent heat rash, dress your baby in one layer more than you’re wearing, ensuring their hands and feet feel cool to the touch.

Contact Dermatitis

Some children experience skin reactions after coming into contact with certain foods, soaps, or plants like poison ivy, sumac, or oak. Symptoms typically appear within 48 hours after contact, ranging from mild redness or small red bumps to severe swelling, redness, and larger blisters. Contact dermatitis usually resolves within a week or two but can be treated with anti-inflammatory creams like hydrocortisone.

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (Coxsackie)

Despite its intimidating name, this childhood illness is common and typically mild. It begins with a fever, followed by painful mouth sores and a non-itchy rash that forms blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks and legs. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated diapers, so frequent handwashing is essential. Coxsackie is usually self-limiting and resolves within about a week.

Eczema

Children prone to eczema may also have allergies and asthma, suggesting a sensitive immune system. The exact cause of eczema remains unclear, but it often presents as a raised rash with dry skin and intense itching. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, and while some children outgrow it or experience milder symptoms as they age, it can be managed with appropriate treatment.

Hives

These itchy or burning welts can be triggered by various factors, including certain medications like aspirin and penicillin, as well as foods such as eggs, nuts, shellfish, and additives. Other triggers include temperature extremes, strep throat, and infections. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and may last for minutes or days. While antihistamines can provide relief, hives accompanied by breathing difficulties or facial swelling warrant prompt medical attention.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever, essentially strep throat accompanied by a rash, presents with symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, headache, abdominal pain, and swollen neck glands. Within 1-2 days, a distinctive red rash with a sandpaper-like texture appears, which typically fades away after 7-14 days. Given its high contagiousness, frequent handwashing is crucial to prevent its spread. If you suspect your child has scarlet fever, contacting their doctor is advisable, as they’ll likely prescribe antibiotics for treatment.

Roseola (Sixth Disease)

Roseola, a generally mild illness, earns its nickname from being one of six common childhood rashes. It’s most prevalent in young children aged 6 months to 2 years and becomes rare after age 4. The illness typically commences with cold-like symptoms followed by several days of high fever, which can sometimes trigger seizures. The fever abruptly subsides, giving way to a rash of small, pink, flat, or slightly raised bumps. Initially appearing on the chest and back, the rash subsequently spreads to the hands and feet.

SOURCES

• KidsHealth: “Chickenpox,” “Fifth Disease,” “Ringworm,” “Roseola,” “Warts.”
• Sutter Health: “Caring for Your Newborn.”
• American Academy of Dermatology: “Atopic dermatitis,” “Hives.”
• CDC: “Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).”
• Princeton University Health Services: “Skin Care.”
• Medscape Reference: “Allergic Contact Dermatitis,” “Impetigo.”