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Pediatric Conditions
Common childhood concerns.
Many babies have what are called "birthmarks" when they're born or shortly after birth. The areas may be flat or raised and can appear brown, tan, blue, pink, or red. More than 10 in 100 babies have vascular birthmarks. These are made up of blood vessels bunched together in the skin. They can be flat or raised, pink, red or bluish discolorations. Ask your dermatologist about available treatment for birthmarks.
In infants, atopic dermatitis often develops on the face. It is frequently described as “the itch that rashes.” It may appear as red, swollen, weeping (clear fluid), scaly or cracked patches on the scalp and face, especially on the cheeks. Teens and young adults are more likely to see patches on their hands and feet. Other common sites are in the bends of the elbows, backs of knees, ankles, wrists, face, neck and upper chest.
While atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, most cases can be controlled with proper treatment. The goals of treatment are to hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, decrease the risk of infection, and alleviate the itchy rash.
Diaper rash is a very common infection that can cause a baby's skin to become sore, red, scaly, and tender. In most cases, the rash occurs because the skin is irritated by diapers that are too tight; soiled diapers that are left on for too long; or certain brands of detergent, diapers, and baby wipes.
Diaper rash usually can be cleared up by checking your baby's diaper often and changing it as soon as it's wet or soiled, and by using a zinc oxide cream or ointment to soothe skin and protect it from moisture.
When a diaper rash lasts for more than 3 days, even with changes to the diapering routine, it's usually caused by candida, a yeast-like fungus. This form of the rash is usually red, slightly raised, and has small red dots extending beyond the main part of the rash. It typically starts in the creases of skin and can spread to skin on the front and back of the baby. It usually goes away after treatment with prescription anti-fungal creams.
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face and hands. It is one of the most common skin infections among pre-school and school-age children, especially in the summer months. It is generally caused by one of two bacteria: Group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if his skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, or skin allergy to soap or makeup. Impetigo is typically treated with antibiotics.
Ringworm isn't a worm, but a fungal infection of the scalp or skin that got its name from the ring or series of rings that it can produce. Ringworm may first appear on your child as a red, scaly patch or bump on the skin that becomes very itchy. It may cause your child to experience dandruff-like scaling and hair loss (with broken stubbles of hair). A child usually gets ringworm from another infected person, so it's important to encourage your child to avoid sharing combs, brushes, pillows, and hats with others.
Treatment may include an antifungal ointment for ringworm of the skin or an oral medication for ringworm of the scalp and nails.
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