Skin Diagnosis Among Children

When a child develops a weird, or odd looking rash or blemish on their body one is expected to have some concern. A lot of parent/ guardians like to research the problem or concern their child is having before making the doctors trip, as do I. The problem is knowing where and what to look for while doing this research. I have provided a list of the most common skin problems children are diagnosed with along with a brief description and treatments for each, for "you" the reader's convenience.

From Webmd.com, a site I frequently use to identify a problem my son is having.

The link below consists of a slide show of the following skin concerns among child.

1. Ring Worm (Tinea)

• Areas on the body that are most affected are scalp, feet, and groin

• Is a fungal infection

• (No this does not mean you have worms)

• Caused by a fungal organism that feeds off of dead skin and nails that loves warms places.

• A ring like rash is formed when having symptoms of this disease.

• On the scalp it appears as flaky, patchy red bald spots

• On the foot this is known as "athletes foot", symptoms include itching, burning, flaky skin, and redness in between the toes and on the bottom of the foot.

• On the groin, it is referred to as "jock itch" and is a reddish brown color that grows in the creases of the groin and can spread down the legs.

• A person might come in contact with this disease from an infected person, animal, an object and even soil.

2. Fifth Disease (slapped cheek) or (erythema infectiosum)

• Is a contagious and usually mild viral illness that is common in children.

• Flu symptoms- aches, pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, followed by a rash on the face that looks like a slap on the cheek and a pink rash on the butt, back of legs and arms, and torso are all symptoms of Fifth Disease.

• Is contagious for a week before a rash even appears, once it has they are no longer contagious.

• The rash can come and disappear often if your child is exposed to a temperature changing environment or sunlight.

• Rest, fluids and pain relievers to keep you child at a comfortable state are the recommended treatments.

3. Chicken Pox (varicella)

• Is a common contagious illness that is caused by a type of herpes virus.

• Common in children of a young age to not be serious, but within teenagers, adults, pregnant woman and those with weak immune systems it can be.

• Fevers, feeling sick, scattered itchy rash, fluid filled blisters, are all common symptoms to look for when identifying chicken pox.

• Usually lasting 1 to 2 weeks.

• The treatment for chicken pox concentrates on relieving the fever and discomfort.

(Although the site does not suggest or give more information on the treatment, I would personally recommend oatmeal baths, chamomile lotion, and Benadryl for severe itchiness.

4. Impetigo

• Is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection.

• Can appear anywhere on the body, mostly exposed areas like the face, nose, mouth, arms, and legs.

• Appear in size from dime to quarter measurements.

• Appear as tiny blisters that when broke will moisten and redden the skin.

• A few days after the infection arrives it will develop a crust along its edges.

• The most common cause of impetigo is Staphylococcus aureus. another bacteria source is group A streptococcus

• An open wound or scratch will make your risk higher for coming in contact with this disease.

• A child can get this by having physical contact with another infected person, sharing the same clothes, bedding, towels, or other objects.

5. Warts (verrucae)

• Contagious but harmless

• Caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

- A non cancerous skin growth

• Found on the fingures, back of hands

• Different kinds include:

• Palmers wart- found on palms

• Planters wart- grows on the souls of your foot

• Flat warts- typically found on the face can grow in clusters up to 20-100 at a time.

• Filform- looks like a witches wart found on the face.

Genital warts are not commonly found on children because they are usually transmitted through sexual contact.

6. Heat rash (prickly heat)

- Red or pink pimply rash that is found on the body covered by clothing.

- Develops when a child becomes hot and sweats

- This may lead to discomfort and itching of the area.

- Most commonly diagnosed where the climate is humid.

- Caused by high temperatures, or over too much clothing on the body.

- Found on the head, neck and shoulders.

- Irritated when scratched by clothing or persons.

- Does not usually need medical attention unless is does not go away in 4 days or the child develops a fever.

Symptoms to watch for:

- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.

- Red streaks extending from the affected area.

- Drainage of pus from the area.

- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.

- Fever of 100 F or higher, or chills with no other known cause.

Treatment

- Revove clothing or provide loosing clothing to help the child's body breath and cool down.

- Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone may be used with permission from a doctor.

http://children.webmd.com/slideshow-common-childhood-skin-problems

A few other websites I would recommend using as well, to do accurate research.

http://www.kidsskinhealth.org/kids/index.html

http://www.skinsight.com/infant/seborrheicDermatitisPediatric.htm

http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/dermatology/skinproblemskids/index.html

I hope these websites are helpful, and resourceful to all who are reading, and using them. There is nothing more important than a child's health to a parent/ guardian or loved one. Good luck.