Baby skin rashes pictures

Pictures of Childhood Skin Problems: Common Rashes and More

Medically Reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD on August 06, 2021

Wondering about that rash, welt, or bump on your child's skin? Sickness, allergies, and heat or cold are often behind kids' skin changes. Most aren't a big deal and are easy to treat. You can learn to tell what many of them look like. Of course, always check with your child's doctor to know for sure and get the right treatment.

Worms don't cause ringworm. And ringworm doesn't need to be itchy. It's caused by a fungus that lives off dead skin, hair, and nail tissue. It starts as a red, scaly patch or bump. Then comes the telltale itchy red ring. The ring has raised, blistery, or scaly borders. Ringworm is passed on by skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal. Kids can also get it by sharing things like towels or sports gear. Your doctor may treat it with antifungal creams.

This contagious and usually mild illness passes in a couple of weeks. Fifth disease starts with flu-like symptoms. A bright face ( classically described as a 'slapped cheek' appearance) and body rash follow. It’s spread by coughing and sneezing and most contagious the week before the rash appears. It's treated with rest, fluids, and pain relievers (do not give aspirin to children). If your child has fifth disease and you are pregnant, call your doctor.

This once-common rash isn't seen as much in today's kids thanks to the chickenpox vaccine. It’s very contagious, spreads easily, and leaves an itchy rash and red spots or blisters all over the body. The spots go through stages. They blister, burst, dry, and crust over. Chickenpox can be very serious. All young kids should get a chickenpox vaccine. So should teens and adults who never had the disease or the vaccine.

Impetigo, caused by bacteria, creates red sores or blisters. These can break open, ooze, and develop a yellow-brown crust. Sores can show up all over the body but mostly around the mouth and nose. Impetigo can be spread through close contact or by sharing things like towels and toys. Scratching can spread it to other parts of the body. It's treated with antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics.

A virus causes these funky but mostly harmless, painless skin growths. Warts can spread easily from person to person. They also spread by touching an object used by a person with the virus. They're most often found on fingers and hands. To prevent warts from spreading, tell your child not to pick them or bite nails. Cover warts with bandages. They can easily be treated in a doctor's office by a freezing procedure.

Blame blocked sweat ducts. Heat rash looks like small red or pink pimples. You usually see heat rash on the head, neck, and shoulders of babies. The rash often comes when well-meaning parents dress a baby too warmly. But it can happen to any child in very hot weather. Dress your baby in only one more layer than you're wearing. It's OK if their feet and hands feel cool to the touch.

Some kids' skin reacts after touching foods, soaps, or plants like poison ivy, sumac, or oak. The rash usually starts within 48 hours after skin contact. Minor cases may cause mild redness or a rash of small red bumps. In severe cases you may see swelling, redness, and larger blisters. This rash usually goes away in a week or two but can be treated with an anti-inflammatory cream like hydrocortisone.

Despite its scary name, this is a common childhood illness. It starts with a fever, followed by painful mouth sores and a non-itchy rash. The rash blisters on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks and legs. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, and used diapers. So wash hands often. Coxsackie isn’t serious and usually goes away on its own in about a week.

Kids prone to eczema may have other allergies and asthma. The exact cause isn't clear. But kids who get it tend to have a sensitive immune system. Watch for a raised rash with dry skin and intense itching. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Some children outgrow it or have milder cases as they get older.

Many things can trigger these itchy or burning welts. Medicines such as aspirin (which kids should never take) and penicillin can set off hives. Food triggers include eggs, nuts, shellfish, and food additives. Heat or cold and strep throat can also cause hives. Welts can show up anywhere on the body and last minutes or days. Sometimes an antihistamine can help. Hives can be a sign of serious problems, especially when they come with breathing troubles or swelling in the face. In those cases or if hives don't go away, see your doctor.

Scarlet fever is strep throat with a rash. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, belly pain, and swollen neck glands. After 1-2 days, a red rash with a sandpaper texture shows up. After 7-14 days, the rash rubs off. Scarlet fever is very contagious, so wash hands often to keep it from spreading. Call your child's doctor if you think your child has it. They'll probably be treated with with antibiotics.

Roseola, a mild illness, gets its nickname from a list of six common childhood rashes. Young kids 6 months to 2 years are most likely to get it. It's rare after age 4. It starts with a cold, followed by a few days of high fever (which can trigger seizures). Then the fevers end suddenly. They're followed by a rash of small, pink, flat, or slightly raised bumps. It shows up first on the chest and back, then hands and feet.

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(12) Courtesy of the CDC
(13) © Scott Camazine / Phototake -- All rights reserved.

SOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology: "Atopic dermatitis," "Hives."
CDC: "Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)."
KidsHealth: "Chickenpox," "Fifth Disease," "Ringworm," "Roseola," "Warts."
Medscape Reference: "Allergic Contact Dermatitis," "Impetigo."
Princeton University Health Services: "Skin Care."
Sutter Health: "Caring for Your Newborn."

Pictures of Port Wine Stains, Moles, and Other Common Birthmarks

Medically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on April 26, 2022

Birthmarks gain attention when there's a media blitz about someone with a visible mark, such as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. News reports suggest that he was born with this birthmark on his right cheek, which doctors checked early on and found to be harmless. Folk wisdom calls such babies "touched by an angel," but a doctor's advice is best.

A birthmark is a colored mark on or under the skin that's present at birth or develops shortly after birth.Some birthmarks fade with time; others become more pronounced. Birthmarks may be caused by extra pigment-producing cells in the skin or by blood vessels that do not grow normally. Most birthmarks are painless and harmless. In rare cases, they can cause complications or are associated with other conditions. All birthmarks should be checked by a doctor.

Seen here is former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, who has a port wine stain on his forehead.

Salmon patches are nests of blood vessels that appear as small, pink, flat marks on the skin. They occur in one-third of newborn babies. Salmon patches can appear on the back of the neck ("stork bite"), between the eyes ("angel's kiss"), or on the forehead, nose, upper lip, or eyelids. Some fade as baby grows, but patches on the back of the neck usually don't go away. Salmon patches require no treatment.

Port-wine stains are a progressive vascular malformation of the skin, meaning that they're related to the skin's blood vessels. They are made of dilated capillaries that tend to get darker, increase in size and are more suseptible to bleeding with age. The color changes from pink to red to purple as the patient grows, and the lesions may become nodular during adult life. Because port-wine stains show no tendency to shrink, this is a disease with potentially devastating psychological and physical complications. Most medical specialists agree that it is very important to begin treatment as early as possible and to maintain treatment to prevent enlargement and vascular nodules. Treatment includes laser therapy, oral prednisone, skin grafts, and masking makeup.

Congenital melanocytosis are flat, smooth marks that are present from birth. Frequently found on the buttocks or lower back, they're typically blue, but can also be bluish gray, bluish black, or brown. They may resemble a bruise and are most common on darker-skinned babies. Congenital melanocytosis usually fade by school age, but may never disappear entirely. No treatment is needed.

Cafe-au-lait spots are smooth and oval and range in color from light to medium brown, which is how they got their name, "coffee with milk" in French. They're typically found on the torso, buttocks, and legs. Cafe-au-lait spots may get bigger and darker with age, but are generally not considered a problem. However, having several spots larger than a quarter is linked with neurofibromatosis and the rare McCune-Albright syndrome. Consult a doctor if your child has several spots.

Hemangiomas are a collection of small, closely packed blood vessels. Strawberry hemangiomas occur on the surface of the skin, usually on the face, scalp, back, or chest. They may be red or purple and are often raised, with sharp borders. These occur in 2 of every 100 babies born.

Strawberry hemangiomas usually develop a few weeks after birth. They grow rapidly through the first year before disappearing around age 9. Some slight discoloration or puckering of the skin may remain at the site. No treatment is required, but when they develop near the eye or mouth, or in a location that can bleed or become infected, they may need to be treated or removed.

Present at birth, deeper cavernous hemangiomas are just under the skin and appear as a bluish spongy mass of tissue filled with blood. If they're deep enough, the overlying skin may look normal. Cavernous hemangiomas typically appear on the head or neck. Most disappear by puberty. A combination of cavernous and strawberry hemangioma can occur.

Venous malformations are veins that did not form normally. They are present at birth but sometimes are not visible until later. VMs can look like a growth under the skin or simply resemble a bruise. They typically appear bluish color.

Congenital nevi are moles that appear at birth. The surface may be flat, raised, or bumpy. These moles can grow anywhere on the body and vary in size from less than an inch to over 8 inches. Congenital nevi occur in 1% of newborns. Most moles are not dangerous. But congenital nevi, especially large ones, have an increased risk of developing into melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. All moles should be monitored for changes.

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(7) Dr P. Marazzi / Photo Researchers, Inc.
(8) Copyright © 2007 Interactive Medical Media LLC, All rights reserved.
(9) MID ESSEX HOSPITAL SERVICES NHS TRUST / Science Source
(10) Copyright © Bart's Medical Library / Phototake -- All rights reserved.

REFERENCES:

WebMD Medical Reference: “Your Newborn's Skin and Rashes.”
WebMD Medical Reference: “Skin Conditions: Pigmented Birthmarks.”
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: “Birthmarks -– Topic Overview. ”
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: “Birthmarks – Pigmented.”
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: “Skin Changes -– Topic Overview.”
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic: “Skin Conditions: Moles, Freckles and Skin Tags.”
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic: “Skin Conditions: Red Birthmarks.”
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: “Port Wine Stain.”
WebMD Medical Reference: “Cosmetic Procedures: Birthmarks and Other Abnormal Skin Pigmentation.”
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: “Birthmarks –– Red.”
American Academy of Dermatology: “Vascular Birthmarks.”
KidsHealth: “What’s a Birthmark?”
WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization for Rare Disorders: “Cavernous Malformation.”
Vascular Birthmarks Foundation: “Venous Malformation Information.”
eMedicine from WebMD: “Vascular, Venous Malformations.”
WebMD Public Information from the U.S. National Institutes of Health: “What You Need to Know About Melanoma. ”
Children’s Specialists of San Diego website: “Congenital Pigmented Moles (Congenital Nevi).
New York Times: “Congenital Nevus On the Abdomen.”
Dr. Green website: “Hemangioma.”
KidsHealth.org: "Port-Wine Stains."
HealthyChildren.org: "Your Newborn's Skin: Birthmarks & Rashes."
HealthyChildren.org: "Birthmarks & Hemangiomas."
American Academy of Dermatology: "Red, white, and brown: Defining characteristics of common birthmarks will determine type and timing of treatment."
American Academy of Dermatology
National Library of Medicine
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Seattle Children's Hospital
Johns Hopkins Medicine

Skin rash in children: analyze the causes

Features of children's skin

The skin, like most other organs and systems, gradually develops until puberty. In a child, it is functionally and structurally more sensitive to external influences and allergic reactions. At the same time, the sweat and sebaceous glands do not yet work properly, which is associated with insufficient development of skin innervation.

At the same time, the skin from birth takes an active part in metabolism and respiration due to the many superficially located vessels. Because of this, skin diseases often greatly affect the general condition of the child.

Types of rash in children

Skin rash caused by a particular disease usually has its own characteristics. The most common types of rashes include:

Papules. These are volumetric formations of a small size (up to 10 mm), which rise above the skin. The main color is red and pink. Occurs with lichen planus, roseola infantum, atopic dermatitis, etc.
Vesicles. They are bubbles up to 5 mm in diameter, filled with a cloudy liquid. After opening, erosion is often left behind. May be a sign of chickenpox and other herpes infections.
Petechiae. A purplish skin eruption that does not go away with pressure. Its elements do not exceed 3 mm in diameter, do not rise above the skin and are not felt to the touch. As a rule, they indicate meningococcal infection, vascular damage (vasculitis), platelet deficiency.
Erosion. This is a skin defect that does not penetrate deeper than the epidermis. It has the appearance of a rounded, somewhat in-depth formation of red color with a weeping surface.
Peel. A secondary element formed by the drying of secretions from vesicles, erosions, or blood. Solid, has a dark red, brown color.
Macula or spot. This is an area of discoloration that is on the same level as adjacent areas of the skin. It can be both an independent element in rubella, measles, roseola, and a residual phenomenon after papules, vesicles or erosions.
Wheals or urticaria. A rounded element of a rash of pale pink, red or purple-white color, the size of which varies from 1-2 mm to tens of centimeters. Leaves no secondary elements behind. Meet with allergic reactions, urticaria.
Lichenification. These are areas of excessive thickening of the skin with increased skin pattern. Often a secondary element.

Diseases that cause skin rashes in children

Baby skin rashes can indicate various diseases, most often infections and allergic reactions.

Roseola infantum

Roseola infantum or sudden exanthema is a childhood infectious disease that occurs when infected with human herpesviruses type 6 or 7. Most often observed between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.

Sudden exanthema is accompanied by an increase in body temperature up to 39-40°C, which persists for 3-5 days, after which a bright red maculopapular rash appears on the child's skin. It occurs on the surface of the chest and abdomen, spreading throughout the body (Fig. 1). The elements of the rash, as a rule, are not felt by the fingers, but sometimes they can be raised. They disappear when the skin is stretched or when the glass of a glass is pressed on them.

In roseola infantum there may be white rings around some elements of the rash. Often the rash is limited only to the trunk and, not having time to reach the face and limbs, disappears. The rash does not cause discomfort or itching, but children usually become sharply capricious and "unbearable" during this time; the rash lasts from several hours to several days, and then disappears, leaving no pigmentation or peeling. An excerpt from the book by Sergei Butriy “Child health: a modern approach. how to learn to cope with illness and your own panic.

Roseola infantum should be treated symptomatically, preferably with antipyretics and plenty of fluids. In immunodeficiency states (HIV infection, congenital disorders of the immune system), antiherpetic drugs are additionally prescribed.

No matter how hard baby roseola flows, it is perfectly safe. Complications are extremely rare and are usually limited to febrile convulsions. An excerpt from the book by Sergei Butriy “Child health: a modern approach. how to learn to cope with illness and your own panic.

Figure 1. Rash in roseola infantum. Source: Wikipedia

Enteroviral exanthems: chicken pox and enteroviral pharyngitis

The viral pemphigus, also known as turkish varicella, is caused by enterovirus 71 (EV-71). Enteroviral pharyngitis is caused by Coxsackie A16, B2, B5 viruses. They occur mainly among children under the age of 10 years, infection often occurs during holidays in southern countries.

The primary signs of pathologies are pain in the mouth and throat, because of which the child refuses to eat and does not even swallow saliva, but spits it out. Then the body temperature rises to 39°C. The fever persists for about 4 days and is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and excessive irritability. With enteroviral pharyngitis, small white sores usually occur only on the palatine arches (Fig. 2), but Turkish chickenpox is a rash throughout the mouth, including the tongue, around the mouth, on the palms and feet. The rash on the skin may resemble chickenpox - red spots or blisters.

Figure 2. Rashes in the mouth with herpangina (enteroviral pharyngitis). Source: James Heilman, MD/Wikipedia

Symptomatic treatment:

Oral hygiene and rinsing with antiseptic solutions.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that help control pain while lowering body temperature.
Plentiful warm fluids to prevent dehydration, cold drinks and ice cream may be given (these are more easily tolerated by sick children).
Diet with the exception of mechanically hard, sour and salty foods.
Enteroviral exanthems are self-limiting, the disease usually recedes after 3-7 days. However, the condition of the child during the illness must be monitored in order to consult a doctor in time in case of complications. The most common are dehydration and secondary bacterial infections. In the latter case, abscesses, yellow crusts appear on the skin, the skin swells. Rarely enterovirus infection leads to serous meningitis.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox or chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the human herpesvirus type 3 (Varicella Zoster). People of any age get sick with it, but mostly it is children 5-9years.

The main symptom is skin rashes that have a certain sequence of development. Small pink spots appear first, quickly transforming into papules, and then into vesicles (Fig. 3) with reddening around. After a couple of days, they open or dry out, forming crusts of dark red, brown color on their surface. A characteristic feature is severe itching.

Figure 3. Development of a skin rash in chickenpox. Source: SlideToDoc

The total period of rashes lasts from 2 to 9days. At the same time, the general condition practically does not suffer, but fever may occur.

There are no drugs that can completely eliminate the virus, so the treatment tactics are aimed at eliminating the symptoms and normalizing the child's condition:

Bed rest in the presence of fever.
Treatment of elements of the rash with a solution of manganese, methylene blue or brilliant green (brilliant green).
Antihistamines for itching.
Antipyretics.
Taking regular warm showers without using a washcloth or brush.

Complications of chickenpox occur against the background of suppression of the body's immune system. These include: inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia), lesions of the nervous system (neuralgia, meningitis, encephalitis, damage to the facial nerve), eyes (keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis), etc.

Important ! For the prevention of chickenpox, especially for adults, against the background of a weakened immune system and a high risk of complications, vaccination is recommended. It can also be carried out as an emergency prophylaxis up to 2 days from the moment of contact with a sick person.

Measles

Measles is a viral infectious disease. Often it occurs in unvaccinated children from 2 to 5 years and older.

Measles debuts with a sharp rise in temperature to 39-40°C, dry cough, runny nose, headache, hoarseness. Characteristic features are swelling and redness of the eyelids, pharynx and red spots in the sky. On the 2-3rd day of development, a symptom specific to measles occurs - Filatov-Belsky-Koplik spots. These are white spots with a red border, observed on the inner surface of the cheeks near the molars. On the 4-5th day from the appearance of the first signs of the disease, these spots disappear, and they are replaced by a skin rash.

The primary localization of measles papular rash is the outer surface of the elbow, knees, fingers. Further, it spreads throughout the body (Fig. 4). The elements of the rash are surrounded by red spots and tend to merge with each other. After 4 days from the moment they appear, the child's condition returns to normal, and the elements of the rash become darker and peel off. Residual effects and pigmentation disappear after 7-10 days.

Figure 4.

Skin rash in measles. Source: CDC

There is no specific treatment for measles; helping a child involves managing individual symptoms:

NSAIDs to reduce body temperature.
Expectorants for relief of coughs.
Antiseptic mouth rinses.
Topical treatment of rash elements with astringents or tea to relieve itching and soreness.

Measles is very dangerous. Possible complications of measles:

Stenosis of the larynx - croup.
Primary measles or secondary bacterial pneumonia.
Inflammation of the respiratory tract - bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis.
Otitis media.
Hepatitis.
Encephalitis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Most cases occur in children between 3 and 7 years of age.

The first manifestation of scarlet fever is an intoxication syndrome - an increase in body temperature up to 38-39°C, headache, general weakness and loss of appetite. On the 2-4th day from the moment the first signs of the disease appear, one of the characteristic symptoms appears - "crimson tongue" (Fig. 5). It is manifested by pronounced graininess and bright red color of the surface. Angina also occurs - inflammation of the palatine tonsils.

Figure 5. Crimson tongue in scarlet fever. Source: ResearchGate

From the first days of scarlet fever, a characteristic red punctate rash appears, which does not disappear when pressed with glass, but becomes yellowish with effort. It is located on the flexion surfaces: the inner parts of the elbows, under the knees, in the inguinal pits, on the cheeks and sides of the body. It lasts up to 1 week, after which it disappears, leaving no pigmentation behind. A specific sign is the pallor of the nasolabial triangle.

Another characteristic feature of scarlet fever is the peeling of the skin that occurs after the rash has disappeared. At the same time, the skin "moves away" in whole layers in the area of the palms and feet, while in other areas - in small fragments.

Treatment is based on antibiotics from the penicillin group. Vitamin C and B vitamins, symptomatic preparations are used as adjuvants. Plentiful warm drink and bed rest are recommended. In severe cases, glucocorticosteroids and intravenous drip of glucose solutions and plasma substitutes are used.

The most common complications of scarlet fever: otitis media, sinusitis and frontal sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary and frontal paranasal sinuses, respectively), cervical lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes of the cervical region).

Rubella

Rubella is caused by Rubella virus. The majority of patients are children aged 3 to 9 years.

Rubella begins with an intoxication syndrome of moderate severity: fever up to 38-38.5°C, headache and increased fatigue, signs of pharyngitis and conjunctivitis, pronounced enlargement of the lymph nodes of the cervical and occipital region.

After 1.5-2 days from the onset of the disease, a skin rash appears in the form of spots, which spreads downward over several hours - appearing on the face, gradually moving to the trunk and limbs. Outwardly, the rash initially resembles measles, then scarlet fever. Itching and peeling are absent, and the spots, unlike measles, do not merge with each other. The bulk of the spots are located on the buttocks and lower back, the outer surface of the elbows and knees. After 3-5 days, the rash disappears without a trace.

There is no specific treatment for rubella, and the main actions are aimed at eliminating individual symptoms of the disease. Complications are very rare, as a rule - against the background of disorders of the immune system. In such cases, the development of pneumonia, arthritis, otitis media is possible.

Important ! Rubella is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it causes problems in the fetus, so when planning a pregnancy, all unvaccinated people should be vaccinated against this infection.

Urticaria

Urticaria or urticaria is a type of dermatitis caused by allergies. The disease is very common among both children and adults. In total, about 20% of the adult population and 2-7% of children suffer from it.

Medications (most often antibiotics), various foods, vaccines and physical influences: cold, sunlight, mechanical pressure can provoke the development of urticaria.

The leading symptom of the pathology is a skin rash in the form of dense red or pink vesicles or nodules 2-10 mm in diameter with clear edges, which become pale when pressed (Fig. 6). A characteristic feature is the sudden appearance and equally rapid disappearance of the elements of the rash without a trace, as well as severe itching.

Figure 6. Urticaria rash. Source: James Heilman, MD/Wikipedia

Treatment, depending on the form of the disease, is represented by antihistamines, histamine receptor blockers or glucocorticosteroids.

Complications occur in the absence of treatment and include angioedema, anaphylactic shock, heart and kidney damage in the form of myocarditis or glomerulonephritis, respectively.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a chronic dermatitis of unknown origin. Most of the patients are people aged 30 to 60 years. However, about 5% of the total number of patients are children.

A typical form of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of gray-white papules up to 2 mm in diameter on the oral mucosa, namely: the inner surface of the cheeks behind the molars, on the lateral parts of the tongue and on the palate. Sometimes the rashes can merge, forming patterns.

In some patients, a rash also appears on the skin of the flexor surfaces of the limbs of the arms and legs, the inner thighs. It has the appearance of small papules of various shapes and pinkish-purple color with a shiny surface and a depression in the center.

Treatment includes diet with restriction of salt, smoked and fried foods, coarse food that irritates the mucous membranes. Glucocorticosteroids are prescribed as medical support.

Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea or Gibert's versicolor is a variant of a skin lesion whose cause has not been clearly identified. Exacerbations occur against the background of immune suppression - colds, hypothermia, chronic stress, etc. Most cases of this pathology are observed in people aged 20 to 40 years, as well as in adolescents.

The disease begins with the formation of a primary scaly focus of pinkish or yellowish color from 1 to 10 cm in diameter with a clear rim. After 1-2 weeks, secondary plaques and smaller papules appear on the body and limbs - up to 2 cm (Fig. 7). Gradually, the elements of the rash turn pale, and the outer edge becomes rougher. The rash may be accompanied by itching, fever and other manifestations of the intoxication syndrome.

The disease tends to self-heal within 4-5 weeks. Treatment is mainly local in the form of ointments based on glucocorticosteroids, and antihistamines and NSAIDs are prescribed to combat itching and fever.

Figure 7. Skin rash with rosacea. Source: James Heilman, MD/Wikipedia

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a genetically determined inflammatory skin lesion of an autoimmune nature. Most often, children under 14 years of age living in large, industrial cities get sick.

Atopic dermatitis develops with a probability of 80% if both parents have a history of this pathology, and with a 50% probability if only one of them.

The first symptoms occur before the age of 2 years due to exposure to allergens, which can be food, plant pollen, dust and mold, cosmetics.

Typical symptoms are skin rashes, which vary depending on the stage of the disease. When exacerbated, red spots, papules and small vesicles appear, accompanied by severe itching. In infants, the typical site is the face, scalp, and neck. At an older age, the flexion surfaces of the limbs and the neck are affected. In the remission stage, they are replaced by foci of increased dryness of the skin, peeling and lichenification. During the year, on average, there are 2-4 exacerbations.

Ointments and creams based on glucocorticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and zinc are used in the treatment. In severe cases, hormonal drugs are used in the form of tablets or intravenous injections. Antihistamines are also used to combat itching.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is the result of infection with human herpesvirus type 4 (Epstein-Barr virus). It is believed that already before the age of 5, about 50% of children become infected with this virus, and its prevalence among adults reaches 95% of the population. Most often, clinical signs of pathology occur at the age of 14-18 years.

Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include:

General weakness and malaise.
Sore throat and pain when swallowing
Headache.
Slight increase in body temperature.
Sensation of aching in muscles and joints.
Enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes in the region of the lower jaw and neck.

Skin rash occurs in less than ¼ of patients. Most often, they occur on the 5th-10th day of the course of the disease against the background of the erroneously prescribed antibiotics ampicillin or amoxicillin. The rash is represented by spots and papules and is located in the face, trunk, thighs and shoulders. It is accompanied by swelling of the skin and itching, sometimes peeling. The rash disappears within 5-7 days.

Since mononucleosis is of viral origin, antibiotic therapy is not used against it. Treatment of the disease involves the elimination of individual symptoms. In severe cases and with concomitant immunodeficiency, antiherpetic drugs are prescribed: ganciclovir, valaciclovir.

Prevention of rashes

In cases of infectious diseases, the only way to avoid rashes is to prevent infection, namely by limiting contact with sick people and practicing basic personal hygiene.

In case of allergic pathologies, it is important to exclude contact with triggers, and if this is not possible, take antihistamines or corticosteroids previously agreed with the attending physician in advance.

A series of recommendations to help avoid skin rashes of other origin for people with sensitive skin:

Avoid direct skin contact with aggressive, irritating substances such as household chemicals.
Limit skin exposure to sunlight, cold.
Give preference to clothing and underwear made from natural fabrics.
Avoid tight, uncomfortable clothing and mechanically rough objects such as washcloths.
Use ointments or other skin care products recommended by a dermatologist or esthetician.

Conclusion

Skin rash is an important symptom of many diseases. She can tell you exactly what kind of disease you have to deal with. This, in turn, makes it possible to provide the right assistance before going to the doctor, avoiding mistakes or even coping with the problem on your own.

References

Federal Clinical Guidelines. Dermatovenereology 2015. Skin diseases. Sexually transmitted infections. - 5th ed. revised and additional - M: Business Express, 2016. - 768 p.
V.M. Kozin, Yu.V. Kozina, N.N. Yankovskaya "Dermatological diseases and sexually transmitted infections: Educational and methodological manual" - Vitebsk: VSMU, 2016. - 409 p.
P.D. Walk. "Skin and venereal diseases: Textbook" - Grodno: Grodno State Medical University, 2003. - 182 p.
Yu.V. Odinets, M.K. Biryukova “Atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, urticaria in children: method. decree. for stud. and interns" - Kharkiv: KhNMU, 2015. - 52 p.
S. A. Butriy “Child health: a modern approach. How to learn to cope with diseases and your own panic ”-“ Eksmo ”, 2018.

Rash in a child on body, legs, back

We treat children according to the principles of evidence-based medicine: we choose only those diagnostic and treatment methods that have proven their effectiveness. We will never prescribe unnecessary examinations and medicines!

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The first children's clinic of evidence-based medicine in Moscow

No unnecessary examinations and drugs! We will prescribe only what has proven effective and will help your child.