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Article by Shireen Khan...
Common Skin Infections In Children
Scabies What is Scabies? A skin infestation caused by tiny mites, Sarcoptes scabiei. What are the symptoms of Scabies? The symptoms include intense generalized itch, which is often worse at night. It is a common infection in children (5 years or under). Family members are often infested at the same time. The rashes consist of tiny red lumps on the fingers, hands, wrists, armpits, upper back, groins, genitals, buttocks and toes. Secondary bacterial infection is frequent. How is Scabies transmitted? The infestation is usually spread by skin-to-skin contact with an infested person. Occasionally pets transmit infestation. How can Scabies infestation be eradicated? Scabies can be cured with treatment. The infested patient and his family contacts have to be treated simultaneously. Treatment consists of applying scabicides on the whole body from the neck to the soles. The medication should be left on the skin for 24 hours. Treatment is repeated daily for 2 or 3 days. Tablets are also prescribed to relieve itch. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there is secondary bacterial infection. All clothes and linen should be washed after anti-scabies treatment be washed after anti-scabies treatment VIRAL WARTS IN CHILDREN What causes Viral Warts? It is caused by the human wart virus & is a common infection in school children. Usual sites involved are areas that are exposed to injury e.g. the hands, fingers, knees and soles. What are the signs of Viral Warts? Viral warts present as skin-colored growths with rough and irregular surface. There may be single or multiple warts appearing at the same time on different parts of the body. How are Warts treated? For small & superficial warts, warts lotion containing salicylic acid and lactic acid may be used. Most warts will require destruction by: a) Liquid nitrogen application or b) Electro or Laser surgery. These procedures are usually relatively painless. MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM What is Molluscum Contagiosum? This is a skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It is a common infection in children. It is transmitted by skin contact with an infected person. What are the signs of Molluscum Contagiosum? The infection presents as small discrete, round, pearly-white growths on the skin. There may be single or multiple growths on the skin. These growths are usually symptomless. Common sites of infection are the eyelids, neck, trunk and anogenital areas. How can the infection be eradicated? It is best treated by your doctor with: a) Trichloroacetic acid applications or b) Liquid nitrogen applications or c) Light electrosurgery IMPETIGO What is lmpetigo? This is an acute superficial infection of the skin caused by bacteria. This infection is common in pre-school children and young adults. What are the signs of Impetigo? The infection appears as skin blisters which later break down to become superficial sores with golden-yellow "stuck on" crusts on the surface. Common sites affected are the face, arms, buttocks and legs. How is Impetigo treated? Consult your doctor. Antibiotic cream or pills are necessary. FOLLICULITIS FURUNCLES (BOILS)/CARBUNCLES What are Folliculitis and Furuncle (Boil)? Folliculitis is a superficial inflammation of hair follicle (hair pore) caused by bacteria. When the infection affect several hair follicles and the adjacent tissue, it is called a furuncle (boil). What are the presenting features of Folliculitis? The folliculitis usually affects the scalp, face, trunk and legs. Either small pockets of pus or small red lumps surround the hair follicles. Sometimes, many adjacent hair follicles are affected at the same time giving rise to what is commonly known as boil or furuncle. In such instances, surgical drainage of the pus may have to be carried out besides antibiotic tablets. How are Folliculitis and Furuncles treated? In mild cases, antiseptic wash and antibiotic creams can easily eradicate the problem. Antibiotics are needed for extensive or severe cases. What is a Carbuncle? This is a severe and extensive inflammation of skin around the hair follicles (hair pores) and its surrounding tissues. It is caused by bacterial infection in individuals who have low immunity. It is often seen in patients with diabetes mellitus. What are the presenting features of a Carbuncle? The carbuncle usually affects the back of the neck, limbs and trunk. The lesions appear initially as red painful/tender nodules around a hair follicle (appearing like collections of furuncles). Pustule may be present on the surface. The lesions then enlarge with pockets of abscesses and ulcerate. How is Carbuncle treated? Carbuncle should be treated immediately. Patient with carbuncle should be hospitalized for surgery (to remove pus and dead skin tissue) to prevent the spread of infections to other parts of the body. The patient should be treated with appropriate systemic antibiotics. Underlying disease e.g. diabetes mellitus must be controlled. DIAPER CANDIDIASIS What is Candidiasis? This is a kind of fungal infection affecting the diaper area. It is almost always the result of irritation and maceration from urine and moisture under the diapers. Such a situation' allows the fungus to overgrow. How does it present? Redness, swelling, small red lumps with pus and oozing can be seen around the groins, anus, upper thighs and buttocks. How is Candidiasis treated? Consult your doctor. The condition responds very well to antifungal creams. Proper skin care of the nappy area like keeping dry is important for prevention. The liberal use of powders should be discouraged. TINEA CAPITIS What is Tinea Capitis? This is a fungal infection of the scalp. It is more commonly seen in children than in the adults. How is it acquired? It is usually spread from pets or other children. What are the features of Tinea Capitis? There is a patchy loss of hair and pain. The affected area may be red and covered with scales, pus or adherent crusts. The diagnosis can be confirmed by examining the affected hair under a microscope. How can it be treated? Consult your doctor. Taking antifungal tablets can treat the infection. Early treatment is important to prevent permanent scarring and hair loss.

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