Childhood skin disorders are generally less serious in nature. Often, the effects are mostly psychological where embarrassment and emotional distress are the main points of worry, reports the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Alternately, some medical conditions can prove problematic if not properly assessed by a physician. Understanding common skin conditions in children is not a substitute for medical attention.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox appears primarily in children under the age of 12. Red, itchy spots appear throughout the body to form blisters with associated flu-like symptoms. The rash first develops on the stomach, back or face and eventually spreads to all regions of the body, including the scalp, mouth, nose, ears and genitals, asserts the Kids Health Organization. Chickenpox occurs after contracting the varicella-zoster virus, which can lay dormant well into adulthood and cause shingles. Currently, children between the ages of 12 to 15 months can receive a vaccination and then a booster shot at the ages of four to six years old. Chickenpox eventually subsides on its own and topical applications such as antihistamines helps reduce itchy and inflammation.
Acne
Acne is the result of excessive oil production in which sebum, or oil, and naturally occurring skin bacteria become trapped within a clogged pore. The actual cause of the condition remains unknown, however, hormonal fluctuations can play a role, asserts Medline Plus. High levels of the male hormone testosterone excite sebaceous glands to over produce oil. Contrary to popular belief, foods and dirty skin do not cause pimples. However, they can make it worse since chemicals released during the metabolism of certain food items can exacerbate breakouts, the Acne Resource Organization affirms. Controlling acne requires properly exfoliating the skin to remove acne-causing debris. Contact a dermatologist for severe acne occurrences.
Skin Rashes in Children Under Age 11
General types of rashes are extremely common in babies and young children as opposed to adults, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation posits. Rashes have viral, bacterial or fungal origins but with the proper treatment are often quite easy to resolve. In babies, diaper rash appears after constant rubbing, moisture, chemicals or bacteria from the baby's urine or stool. It appears as a red, bumpy patchy region on the buttocks. Heat rash occurs when a baby wears clothes too warm for the weather or if the environment is very hot and humid. The rash appears as small pimple-like bumps primarily on the chest and neck, but can occur anywhere. Since children are young and constantly encounter new things, contact dermatitis often emerges when a child meets an irritant. Oftentimes the condition is mild and disappears when the contact ceases. Nonetheless, if a stubborn rash appears contact a physician immediately for the proper treatment.
