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8 Skin Diseases in Children That Often Occur

Not only adults but skin diseases can also be experienced by children. There are various skin diseases in children with different causes, ranging from allergic reactions to exposure to certain substances. By knowing the types, you can take steps to handle them.

Children, especially infants and toddlers, are more at risk of developing skin diseases because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. There are skin diseases that are mild and can heal on their own, but some are serious and require immediate treatment by a doctor.

8 Skin Diseases in Children That Often Occur
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Various Skin Diseases in Children

Skin diseases in children are generally not much different from skin diseases in adults. However, some skin diseases are more common in children, including:

1. Diaper rash (diaper dermatitis)

Diaper rash is inflammation of the skin, especially in the buttocks and groin, due to prolonged use of diapers. However, rashes can also appear due to the diaper material that is not suitable for the baby's skin.

Diaper rash is a form of irritant contact dermatitis. However, this skin disorder is usually limited to the area covered by the diaper, so treatment can be focused on that area.

2. Baby's head crust (cradle cap)

This type of skin disease usually occurs in newborns up to three years old. This condition is characterized by the presence of thick white or yellow scales on the surface of the baby's scalp. The medical term for this condition is cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis.

Although rare, crusts or scaly skin can also appear in other parts of the body, such as the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, folds of the nose, back of the neck, or armpits.

In some cases, this disease can cause the skin to crust and secrete a yellowish discharge. However, this disease will usually go away on its own. If it persists for a long period, it is advisable to visit a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.

3. Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a skin disease characterized by redness and itching of the skin. This skin disease is generally chronic but can subside on its own. In some children, eczema is sometimes accompanied by asthma.

If your little one has eczema, there are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms:

Bathe your little one with warm water and use a special baby soap made from soft.

Use a moisturizer, such as petroleum jelly.

Avoid your little one from eczema triggering factors, such as certain foods or skincare products.

Make sure your little one doesn't scratch the itchy skin area so it doesn't cause injury or infection.

If the above measures have not been able to relieve eczema in children, the doctor may prescribe creams or ointments to relieve itching experienced by children.

4. Measles

Measles is a type of skin disease in children caused by a virus. The main symptoms that arise in the form of rashes on the skin and high fever, this condition is similar to other diseases, namely rubella, and roseola infantum.

In rare cases, measles can cause serious complications in children, such as pneumonia. As a precautionary measure, make sure your little one has been vaccinated against measles. Giving the measles vaccine to children can minimize the risk of getting this disease.

5. Warts

Warts are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 150 types of HPV virus, but only some of them cause the growth of warts on the skin.

This disease can be transmitted through direct physical contact on the skin. Warts in children can appear on the fingers, palms, soles of the feet, knees, or elbows.

6. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a type of skin disease that is common in children but can also occur in adults. This disease is caused by infection with the Varicella zoster virus.

Symptoms of chickenpox are usually a hot fever accompanied by a rash on the skin. The rash itself appears in the form of blisters, spots, and scabs.

Chickenpox usually lasts for a week and can be transmitted to other children quickly. However, now there is a vaccination program that has been carried out widely so that this skin disease is getting less and less common in children.

7. Impetigo

Impetigo is a type of skin disease caused by a bacterial infection and can be cured with antibiotics. This disease generally attacks the area around the mouth and nose, but that doesn't mean it can't appear in other parts of the body.

The main feature of impetigo is a rash that produces a yellowish discharge. This liquid can then turn into a yellowish crust. If scratched, this disease can spread and get worse.

8. Prickly heat

Another type of skin disease that often attacks children is prickly heat. This condition is caused by a blockage in the pores of the skin so that sweat cannot come out.

Prickly heat will cause the appearance of acne-like spots that fill the neck and head. Usually, prickly heat will go away on its own. As a precautionary measure, make sure your child wears comfortable clothes that absorb sweat so that prickly heat doesn't get worse.

Do not panic if your baby has one of the types of skin diseases in children above. If you are confused or in doubt about dealing with it, check your little one to the doctor to get the right treatment.