About Skin Disorders in Children

Overview

Children may experience many different skin disorders; some may be ongoing and others may be rare occurrences. Some common skin disorders in children include rash, warts, acne, ringworm, allergic reactions and impetigo. Other, more rare skin disorders include hemangioma or epidermolysis bullosa.

Acne and Allergic Reactions

Acne in children may be related to diet. Excessive consumption of fat and salt in fast food meals may lead to acne, which may have the appearance of deep pustules on a child's face, just as in adult acne. Kids who consume too much sugar may also experience acne. To limit acne outbreaks give kids a healthy diet with an emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.

Allergic skin reactions in children are also often related to diet. Parents should keep a log of the incidence and duration of any unusual skin reactions such as bright red spots, itchy bumps, or a rash that is spreading rapidly. Parents should also note any foods that were consumed during the date the skin disorder appeared. If an allergic reaction appears to be aggressive with a rash covering much of the body, or an internal skin rash inhibiting a child's ability to eat or breathe, a parent should bring the child to the emergency room to ensure that a severe reaction to a food or something put on the skin is not endangering the child's life.

Impetigo, Warts and Ringworm

Impetigo, warts and ringworm are skin disorders children can pick up in daycare or school settings. Children are very touchy and often pick up skin disorders via direct contact with another child's rash or infection. Seek medical care once symptoms are noticed so the disease is treated at once and does not become more severe. Notify the school if a child has been getting repeated skin infections or rashes, as the area where the child sits at school may need a special cleaning.

Impetigo sores have a crusty yellow look. The area around the sore is red and may itch. Impetigo is caused by infection with staph bacteria or strep.

Warts are raised areas on the skin in groups or spread about in random single warts. The warts will be rough in shape and will typically have the same color as the normal skin tone.

Ringworm causes round red areas on the skin. The circles of red inflammation may itch and be scaly.

Rashes

Rashes are a common disorder in children. A rash may arise from irritation from a moisturizer or powder, or sunscreen used on the child. Heat may also cause a "heat rash" on a child, as may irritation from insects that may touch the skin when the child is outside on hot days. A rash may also be allergic in nature from touching a substance that caused an allergic reaction. Always check with the doctor if a sudden rash occurs.

Hemangioma

A hemangioma is a red or grey birthmark in the neck or facial area. It may be treated with lasers, steroids or surgery to minimize the discolored area. Many children feel very self conscious with a hemangioma; thus it is crucial to seek treatment to remove the hemangioma as fully as possible.

Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a quite rare skin disorder in children. It is an inherited condition; it may be present at birth or first show up in any age from infant to early adulthood. With EB, the skin is so sensitive to touch that a simple touch, hug, heat or scratching may cause the skin to blister painfully. The blisters may occur on hands or feet or internally in the airways, throat or intestine. Thus, children with this disorder must remain quite isolated to avoid contact that might injure their skin. There is no cure for epidemolysis bullosa and this disorder may be fatal.