The skin has several important functions. It has to protect you against harmful microbes, prevent you from losing fluids, regulate your body temperature and warn you when something that you touch is too hot or too cold. And, it is susceptible to disease. There are several skin diseases that even children risk contracting.
Ecthyma
This skin disease is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes when it infects the dermis, the layer beneath the top layer of the skin. It causes brownish-black crusts to form. The area around the crusts is red, and there are ulcers underneath. The infected area itches, and the infection can spread if the child scratches the area.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
According to Damian Dhar, M.D., from the Atlanta Dermatology, Vein and Research Center as noted in the Merck Manuals, this disease usually affects children who are younger than 6 years old. It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The bacterium releases a toxin that makes the epidermal layer separate. (The epidermal layer is the top layer of the skin.) Newborn babies are usually affected in their diaper area and around their umbilical cord. Children will usually get the infection on their face. At first, crusts will develop, but then, the skin becomes tender and painful, and blisters form. Within 36 to 72 hours, large areas of the skin will peel off. Children can also have fever and chills and develop sepsis (bacteria in the bloodstream).
Cellulitis
Dr. Dhar writes that cellulitis is usually caused by S. aureus and S. pyogenes. Children usually have a tender, red, swollen area on one of their legs. The infected area will feel hot to the touch. They may also have enlarged lymph nodes near the area of infection.
Scabies
Sarcoptes scabiei is an insect (mite) that causes a skin disease when the female digs into the skin. In "Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Pediatrics," Joseph Morelli, M.D., Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, writes that the females leave a track of lines between the child's fingers; around the ankles, wrists and genitals; or on the face. Similar to ecthyma, the child scratches a lot, because scabies is itchy. But, the scabies areas can become infected and form golden-brown crusts.
Tinea Pedis
Also known as "athlete's foot," this is a fungal infection that, according to Dr. Morelli, is becoming a common infection in children. When feet sweat, the moisture helps the fungus to grow. The fungus also uses the keratin protein in the skin for nourishment. With tinea pedis, the child's foot will have thick soles that are scaling, with blisters and peeling between the toes.
Tinea Corporis
Tinea corporis is a fungal infection on the trunk of the body, arms, legs and face. It is also called "body ringworm." The child has round, red or pink patches, with scaling around the edges. The central part of the patch looks clear.
References
- "Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics"; William Hay, Jr., M.D., et al; 2009
- Merck Manuals: Cellulitis
- Merck Manuals: Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
