Skin diseases affecting children are many and varied. From names, presenting symptoms, causative factors, these diseases differ but they all attack one part of the body – the skin. Children are prone to developing skin diseases because as they grow up they become exposed to many harmful pathogens that can cause a reaction on the body often resulting into a disease or infection.
Skin diseases in children shouldn’t just be dismissed as one of those things that happen. It should be treated immediately or even examined by a doctor to prevent the potential for spread.
Types Of Skin Diseases In Children
Skin diseases can be classified according to type. These diseases can be bacterial in origin, viral in origin or it can be contagious or communicable type of disease. Skin diseases can also be differentiated depending on the age group it affects. For example, there are skin conditions that affect only infants and not children. Skin diseases, no matter the type, can cause a child mild or extreme discomfort. It can also cause body image disturbance especially on a fragile child’s self esteem. No matter the type, skin diseases can cause discoloration, itching, and sometimes pain. Skin diseases have the potential to spreading to different areas of the body.
- Bacterial skin diseases: Skin conditions that are caused by bacteria.
- Viral skin diseases: Skin conditions caused by virus.
- Fungal skin diseases: Skin conditions that are caused by fungi.
- Parasitic or protozoal skin diseases: Skin diseases caused by the presence of parasites.
- Infectious or communicable: Diseases that have a high risk of spreading to other individuals or children.
Children’s Infectious Skin Diseases
The following are some examples of common infectious skin disorders affecting children:
- Chickenpox: It is caused by Varicella zoster virus, spread through airborne transmission and skin-to-skin contact of lesions.
- Measles: It is caused by paramyxovirus, spread through airborne transmission.
- Rubella or German Measles: It is caused by rubella virus and it spreads through airborne transmission.
- Fifth disease: It spreads through skin-to-skin contact or fomites.
- Roseola Infantum: It spreads through droplet transmission.
- Coxsackievirus or Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Bacterial Skin Diseases in Children
The following are some examples of common bacterial skin diseases affecting children.
- Impetigo: It is caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria.
- Cellulitis: It is diffused inflammation of the connective tissue often accompanied by severe inflammation of dermal as well as subcutaneous layers.
- Scarlet fever: It is caused by streptococcus bacteria.
- Folliculitis, Boils, and Carbuncles
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome: It is referred to as an acute epidermolysis. A condition caused by staphylococcal toxin.
Skin Disorders In Children Symptoms
Common symptoms associated with skin diseases include:
- Changes in skin color
- Growth of bumps or pustules
- Growth of nodules
- Growth of papules
- Skin changes in terms of texture and characteristics
- Growth of cysts
- Growth of plaque of dermal edema
- Raised, flat elevation of skin
- Scaling
- Ulcer formation
- Skin discomfort
- Itching
- Pain
- Burning sensation