There are different skin problems observed in infants and young children. The conditions defer in different perspectives, including their causes, symptoms, severity, and treatment. Some are temporary while others can be permanent, painful, less painful, and others painless. With others having situational causes, others are genetic. Some can also be minor while others can be life-threatening. Since they have different degrees of variances, the list below draws the cut among them, their possible causes, and symptoms. It can also help you make an early realization and seek the doctor’s intervention early enough.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is also referred to as infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a rash that starts as scaling and redness on the scalp of an infant. It is not a contagious or infectious skin condition and is usually common in infants in the first weeks of life. It can extend to a period of weeks or even months. It is rarely itchy or uncomfortable and is suspected to be as a result of the mother’s hormonal change while expectant.
Roseola
Roseola is a viral skin problem and affects children who are between six months and two years. The symptoms include several days of high fever. The child may also have a weak appetite, become fussy, and irritable with swollen glands at the back of the head or in the neck. A pinkish-red flat or raised rush follows the fever. The rash usually appears on the child’s trunk spreading over the body immediately the fever breaks.
Roseola is caused by two main and closely related viruses (HHV). One is the human herpesvirus type 6, and the other one is type 7. Due to the viruses, Roseola can spread through even tiny droplets of fluid from the throat and nose of an infected child.
Fifth Disease
This is a highly contagious skin condition and is caused by human Parvovirus B19. The problem results in a facial rush that makes the baby appear like they have been slapped on the cheeks. Usually, this condition affects school-aged children, but it rarely causes harm to unborn children. Pregnant women should, however, undergo monitoring in case they are yet to develop immunity for the virus.
Fifth disease is transmitted by sneezing and coughing. The symptoms will be minimal and include a rash on the cheeks, thighs, and arms. Other symptoms are cold and flu-like symptoms.
Chickenpox
This has for long been a common skin problem with kids. In the recent past though, it has subsided due to advanced universal vaccination programs. It is a contagious condition caused by an infection with the varicella virus.
The condition is characterized by rashes developing, cold symptoms, and fever. The fever starts before the condition manifests itself through rashes. The rash becomes itchy and appears as a mix of spots, blisters, and crusted scabs and can last for a little more than a week.
Ringworm
Most people usually associate this problem with worms, but there is no relationship. Ringworm is a condition caused by a common fungus that is known to infect the skin and to cause scaly and bumpy red patches on the infected area. It is a highly contagious condition and spreads through sharing or coming into contact with garments that have had contact with an infected area.
Warts
Warts form because of a virus and are characterized by small, fleshy grainy bumps. They are mostly flesh-coloured, white, tan, or pink and sprinkled with black pinpoints. They usually appear on the hands although they can be found anywhere else on the body. It is a contagious condition that spreads from either one person to another or one body part to another. Mostly, they will resolve themselves although some over-the-counter prescriptions can accelerate the resolution.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a condition that often affects young babies. Commonly, blocked sweat glands cause the heat rash and result in red pimply eruptions on the neck and head. The heat rash usually resolves on itself.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is the other name for eczema, a condition common in children with asthmatic and allergic cases. It is usually typified by rashes that appear as itchy red patches and may show up anywhere. Typically, the rash will show up on the cheeks, around the elbow area, and around the knees.
Summary
While most childhood skin problems are minor, some can be an indication of severe infections. If the conditions persist, it could be a sign of a life-threatening case or one that requires a physician’s intervention. As such, you should contact one if you notice any of the skin conditions on your infant or small child. Remember a little problem can turn out to be worse if not mitigated.
