The most common skin diseases in children: from ringworm to smallpox

Children, especially newborn babies, are very susceptible to skin problems because their skin is still very sensitive. So, what are the most common skin diseases in children, and how to deal with them? As parents, this is very important to understand so that your little one's skin condition does not worsen. Check out the following reviews.

Skin disease in children that often occurs

In fact, skin diseases in infants and children are generally harmless and easy to treat at home. Here are some of the most common skin problems in babies and children.

1. Diaper rash

Diaper rash is one of the most common skin diseases in infants. This condition is characterized by red, shiny, itchy skin irritation in the diaper-covered area of ​​the buttocks.

The cause of diaper rash in babies is due to the condition of the wet diaper and the intensity of diaper changes that are very rare. This makes the friction between the baby's skin and the cloth of the diaper causing the rash.

Diaper rash is not a serious condition, but it should not be allowed because it can develop into a yeast or bacterial infection.

How to fix it:

Use a baby moisturizing cream that contains zinc oxide and lanolin to relieve skin rashes and prevent the irritation from getting worse. Cream as a newborn care also helps moisturize and soften the skin of babies.

Make sure you keep the baby's bottom area dry to prevent diaper rash from recurring. Let your little one for a moment without using a diaper after waking up.

In addition, make sure the baby's diaper is not too tight, but fits the baby's bottom. When there are red lines on the child's skin, it is a sign that the child's diaper is too tight.

2. Acne

source: NHS

Acne in babies usually appears on the cheeks, nose, or forehead within one month of the baby's birth. Baby acne can go away on its own, usually three to four months after its appearance.

So, you don't need to worry because acne only appears temporarily. This is one of the most common and harmless skin diseases in infants.

How to fix it:

Clean your baby's body and face with water and give a special moisturizer to treat acne in babies. Avoid acne medications used for children or adults.

Also, like acne in adults, don't try to pinch or break your baby's acne, as this will worsen the acne condition.

If your acne continues to get worse or doesn't go away after three months, see your doctor right away for advice on how to properly care for baby's skin.

3. Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases in children and infants. Eczema causes your little one's skin to become dry, red and itchy. Usually eczema appears on the face, elbows, chest, or arms.

This skin disease in children is common due to an allergic reaction to soaps, lotions, or even detergents to wash your baby's clothes.

How to fix it:

There is no cure for eczema in babies. However, they are generally well controlled and will often go away after a few months or years.

The most effective treatment is to prevent the skin from becoming dry and itchy and to avoid the triggers that cause the condition to recur.

Use a baby skin moisturizer to reduce dry skin due to eczema in babies and keep your little one's skin moisturised.

4. Dry skin

Dry to scaly children's skin is a disease or problem that is quite common in babies and children. Some children even experience dry skin that peels off.

There are many things that can cause your little one's skin to dry out. For example, the environment is hot dry or too cold, causing the skin to lose fluids.

The most common cause of dry baby's skin is bathing or playing water for too long. The bath soap used can also cause dry baby skin.

How to fix it:

Avoid bathing the baby for too long. After bathing the baby, you should make it a habit to apply a baby moisturizer to keep the skin moist. Also make sure your little one is getting enough fluids.

Usually, dry skin in babies will disappear after a few days. However, if this condition bothers or makes the baby uncomfortable, discuss it with your doctor immediately. The doctor will provide the appropriate treatment for this condition.

5. Hemangioma

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, hemangiomas are bright red birthmarks that appear at birth. However, these signs can also appear in the first or second week of a baby's life.

This skin disease in children looks like a lump that forms from excess blood vessels in the skin. circular or oval in shape and reach 10 cm in size.

How to fix it:

Hemangiomas can go away on their own as the child ages, but in some cases, they can make the skin itchy and make the baby scratch it.

You can do several treatments, such as:

• Keep away from sunshine.
• Keeps baby's skin dry.
• Avoid using soap if the baby's skin is injured.

Avoid bathing your little one by rubbing it, just wipe it gently with warm water.

6. Cradle cap

source: NHS

Quoted from the NHS, cradle cap is a skin problem in babies characterized by a red rash on the scalp that gradually turns into a dry, scaly, yellow, oily crust.

This condition, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is common in the first three months of life. Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis can also occur on the face, ears, and neck.

This condition is classified as safe, does not itch, and is not contagious. However, the presence of a crust on the baby's head sometimes makes it difficult for hair to grow.

How to fix it:

Cradle cap can heal on its own in a few weeks to months. You can wash your hair and scalp gently using a special shampoo for babies.

Use a special baby shampoo that has a special formula for sensitive skin and use an ointment that can moisturize your little one's skin.

7. Hives

source: NHS

Hives are a cause of itchy skin characterized by the appearance of red bumps that are enlarged, raised, and spread on the skin.

In medical language hives are called urticaria. This skin disease in infants can affect the face, body, arms or legs.

Hives in babies usually occur as an allergic reaction to food, generally eggs and milk. It could also be due to sweat rubbing against the skin.

Hives are not harmful, but they can make your child uncomfortable while sleeping or throughout the day.

How to fix it:

If your baby has chronic hives, then immediately consult a doctor for further treatment. Your doctor may recommend a prescription for an antihistamine to reduce symptoms.

8. Milia

source: NHS

About half of all newborns experience tiny white spots on the face called milia.

Even though it is a skin problem or disease in babies, it doesn't need to be treated because it will disappear by itself after a few months.

Quoting from Medlineplus, milia arise when dead skin cells are trapped in small pockets on the surface of the skin and mouth.

If the skin problem in your baby doesn't go away and persists for a long time that makes you worried, see a doctor immediately.

The doctor can find out what the exact cause is and find the right milia treatment according to your child's condition.

How to fix it:

This skin disease is quite common in babies and will actually go away in two weeks. But if it makes it uncomfortable, you can use a warm compress on the area where the milia appears.

If done regularly, it is likely that the white spots in these babies will dry up and peel off by themselves.

9. Impetigo

These conditions include common skin infections in infants. Usually spreads on the body or face, such as the nose, cheeks, and under the eyes.

Impetigo occurs in two forms:

• Bulosa which are fluid-filled blisters that leave a thin crust.
• Nonbullos in the form of thick skinned yellow ulcers surrounded by reddish skin.

Impetigo is caused by one of two types of bacteria, entering the baby's body through a cut on the skin.

How to overcome

Some cases of impetigo in babies go away on their own within two to three weeks, without needing treatment.

However, if you want to consult a doctor, usually the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to speed up healing to 7-10 days.

This method can also reduce the risk of transmission to babies and other children around them. The type of antibiotic given can be in the form of a topical as well as drinking.

10. Ringworm (ringworm)

Source: Healthline

Ringworm (tinea) is caused by a fungus that lives in dead skin, hair and nail tissue. Symptoms of ringworm present as scaly plaques or red rashes.

These plaques then turn into red, circular, itchy lesions, which then spread, causing them to blister or peel.

This condition is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in humans or animals. Toddlers can also be exposed to personal items such as bathtubs or sports equipment.

How to overcome

To treat ringworm in children, doctors usually give antifungal creams that don't damage your little one's skin.

11. The fifth disease

The fifth disease is contagious and usually mild within 2 weeks. Initially, the fifth disease caused flu-like symptoms. This disease is more common in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years.

The face becomes bright red and then the body is covered with a rash is a symptom seen in children. Respiratory infections (coughing and sneezing) and most contagious factors were seen in the week before the onset of the disease.

How to overcome

Treatment is carried out with adequate rest, ensuring the child is getting enough water and electrolytes, and relieving pain. Avoid using aspirin for children.

If your little one gets fifth disease during pregnancy, then you need to see a doctor immediately.

12. Prickly heat

It is one of the health conditions most commonly experienced by children, especially babies. Prickly heat (miliaria) is a condition when sweat, dead skin cells or bacteria get trapped under the skin. It can also occur because the sweat glands become blocked by dead skin cells.

Usually prickly heat occurs when your little one is in an area where the weather is hot and often sweats (tropical climates).

How to overcome

Parents can apply lotions containing calamine because it can relieve itching on the skin. In very annoying itching conditions, you can use amtihistamine drugs that help relieve itching.

However, first discuss with your doctor to get a dose that is right and right for your little one.

For home remedies, parents can place your little one in a cool room to avoid hot and humid weather.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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