Numerous childhood skin problems exist. Most people recognize bug bites, diaper rash, dry skin and sunburn--but eczema, bacteria, viruses and fungi commonly cause skin problems too. Allergies frequently cause skin conditions with symptoms of hives and rashes. Although most skin conditions do not threaten the life of a child, any skin problem appearing with an illness should be examined by a physician. Also, spreading and worsening rashes need evaluation.
Viruses
Several viruses cause skin conditions in children. Human papilloma virus causes common warts and flat warts. A pox virus called mulluscum contagiosum causes small raised, dome-shaped lesions. Neither viruses have treatments, but the lesions usually disappear on their own. Skin treatment options can be initiated if the warts or lesions persist. Chickenpox, measles and rubella have their own typical skin rashes, although childhood vaccines have made these diseases rare. Fifth disease, hand-foot-mouth disease and roseola do not have vaccines and may create viral body rashes. Most viral skin conditions are secondary to the main disease and resolve without specific treatment.
Bacteria
Bacterial skin problems can become serious conditions if untreated. Impetigo is the third most common skin disease in children, peaking between 2 and 6 years old. Fluid-filled blisters are painful and contagious. The blisters usually appear around the nose and mouth and are caused by either staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. Also, streptococcal bacteria causes scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is strep throat with a rash. All bacterial skin problems are treated with topical and/or systemic antibiotics.
Parasites
Fungus, mites and lice all irritate the skin as infestation occurs. The fungus of athlete's foot and ringworm causes crusty, itchy skin lesions in body areas experiencing increased heat and perspiration. Scabies is the most common mite causing skin irritations. These mites spread though contact and cause severe itching. Usually they appear in skin folds and crevices. Lastly, lice can infect the head, the body and the pubic area through clothing and body contact. Three different types of lice affect these three body areas, causing itchy, irritated skin.
Allergies
A hyper-immune reaction to an environmental substance is considered an allergy. Sun allergy is triggered by the skin's reaction to sunlight. Mild sun allergy causes an itchy red rash, while severe sun allergy may cause hives, blisters or other symptoms. Skin hives have pale interiors and well-defined red edges. Hives occur as an external or internal allergic reaction. A person with allergies to consumed shrimp will erupt in hives, as well as a person who has touched poison ivy. Allergic swelling deep within the skin can cause the throat or tongue to swell, which can be life-threatening.
Acne
Acne occurs at any stage in life. Neonatal acne occurs within the first few weeks of life. It is most common during adolescence, although 20 percent of adults have acne. In adolescence it is associated with hormonal surges. Acne is caused by oily secretions plugging the skin's pores and causing swollen, sore inflammations. Some skin products may contribute to clogged pores, so water-based products are recommended. Beneficial topical treatments use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to combat acne. Sometimes oral antibiotics or birth control pills prove helpful.
Dermatitis
Several forms of dermatitis cause skin problems. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is called eczema. It commonly appears in the arm and leg joint bends, causing raised, red, dry rash. It runs in families and is thought to be due to an allergy. Contact dermatitis occurs from direct contact with an irritant. Detergents, metals and urine are examples of irritants. Diaper rash is associated with skin exposure to urine and feces. Sometimes yeast causes dermatitis on the moist, irritated skin of babies. Nickel in the snaps and buttons of clothing can cause contact dermatitis, while seborrheic dermatitis occurs in oil-producing areas of the skin, causing cradle cap in infants.
