Skin conditions are common throughout childhood. Children’s skin conditions include rashes, bumps, and welts. Most rashes are caused by viruses that go away on their own, and cause no lasting harm. Some are caused by bacteria. All rashes should be taken seriously.
Measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox are all viral infections. Immunizations have decreased the occurrence of these rashes. If your child suffers from a persistent rash, please contact your provider at Advantage Dermatology in Jacksonville, Florida.
Chicken Pox Rash
Chicken Pox is rare before the first birthday. The rash contains small, itchy red bumps that change into clear fluid filled blisters which dry out and form scabs.
Cold Sores or Fever Blisters
They are uncommon in children before the age of 2. They are fluid-filled blisters on or near the lips. The Herpes Simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores. The infection resolves within 10 days to 2 weeks. But the virus stays in the body dormant. It may never appear as cold sores again, but can flare periodically. Stress, fever and sun exposure can trigger outbreaks.
Baby Acne
This is a common condition that affects about 20% of infants. It is white or red bumps or pimples, surrounded by reddish skin that appears on the cheeks and forehead, chin and upper trunk. It often develops within the first 2-4 weeks after birth. Tiny white bumps on the baby’s nose, chin and cheeks are called Milia. The cause is not known. But both baby acne and milia usually resolve on their own by three months of age. If it doesn’t clear up within 3 months, talk with your provider at Advantage Dermatology.
Cradle Cap or Seborrheic dermatitis
It is called cradle cap in infants, and dandruff in older children. It affects the scalp, eyebrows, ears, armpits and neck creases. It is common in infants in the first 3 months of life. The rash is flaky dry skin or yellowish, greasy, scaly and crusty patches. By age 1 it usually clears.
Folliculitis
It causes itchy pimples or white heads around hair follicles and may crust over. The neck, underarms and groin may be affected. It is caused by a Staph bacterium. Folliculitis is not common before age 2.
Ringworm (Tinea Infections)
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that produces ring shaped, red, scaly, patches with a clear center. It is very contagious, and is often contracted by coming in contact with another child who has the infection, or pets with ringworm. It can affect the feet, scalp, nails and any where on the body of children 2 and older.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial infection that gets into the skin through minor skin breaks. The rash is clusters of small red, itch bumps that blister, and often develops a yellow crust. There may be a mild fever and swollen glands. Scratching makes it worse. It is usually found around the mouth and nose. It is often confused with ringworm. It is highly contagious, and typically affects children aged 2-6.
Molluscum Contagiousum
It is viral infection that creates flesh colored, dome shaped lesions with a dimpled center. It may become red and inflamed. It is itchy, but is usually painless. It usually affects the face neck and arms, but can appear on the chest and back. If you think your child is infected, see your Advantage Dermatology provider in Jacksonville, Florida.
Warts
Warts are caused by a virus and can be spread to other people and to other parts of the body. Usually they appear on the hands. Most resolve without treatment. Common wars are caused by the HPV virus. Your Advantage Dermatology provider has several treatment options.
Heat Rash or Prickly Heat
This affects babies and is caused by blocked sweat glands. It causes a red, pimply eruption on the head and neck. It usually resolves on its own.
Scabies
This is a skin irritation caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin, creating a rash that is itchy with pimply red bumps, often between the fingers. But it can appear almost anywhere.
Contact dermatitis
This rash can be caused by food allergies, lotions and creams, or other chemicals, including poison ivy. It looks like a group of small red pimples or bumps on the skin. It begins within a day or two of exposure and remains until the irritant is removed or it heals on its own. It is often confused with impetigo.
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
This is caused by the Coxsackie virus. It is very common and causes a non-itchy rash of small flat, red dots that turn into bumps or blisters on the hands and feet, and also in the mouth. The first sign of infection is a fever followed by a rash. The mouth sores can hurt and interfere with eating and drinking. It is very contagious and is most common in preschool children. It often resolves on its own within a week.
Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema
This is very common in children who have allergies and asthma. The rash is a red itchy, dry patch that may ooze or crust. It usually shows up cheeks, chin, scalp, elbows, and around the knees.
It often begins in the first year and most often resolves on its own by age 2. But flare-ups can continue to occur throughout life. It is a chronic condition that is most common in families with a history of allergies. Scratching can cause infections which will require treatment by a doctor.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is caused by strep bacteria. It usually presents as a sore throat (Strep Throat), fever, headache, upset stomach and swollen glands followed by a rash. The rash feels like sandpaper and may be itchy. It is highly contagious and will resolve on its own. However, the bacterial infection needs to be treated with antibiotics. Scarlet fever is not serious, but its complications can be. See your Advantage Dermatology provider.
Roseola
This is a viral illness that appears in infants and begins with a sudden, high fever that lasts a few days, followed by a pink rash on the torso and neck, which can spread to the arms, legs and face. The child may be irritable, tired, have mild diarrhea, swollen eyelids, red eyes, runny nose and/or sore throat. It commonly affects children between 6 months and 3 years. If your child has a fever followed by a rash, call your provider. Typically, a child will only have this once, and then develop immunity to it.
Fifth Disease or Slapped Cheeks
It is a contagious viral illness that causes a rash without a fever or a slight fever. Other symptoms include achiness and cold symptoms that turn into bright red cheeks and a lacy rash, itchy rash that affects the trunk and feet. The rash lasts about 4 days, but may reappear when the child is exposed to sunlight, heat or cold or trauma.
Diaper Rash or Dermatitis
It is not contagious and is caused by an irritant, a yeast infection, or allergic contact dermatitis. It commonly appears as a bright red, swollen or blistered patches. If it lasts more than a few days, call your Advantage Dermatology provider.
