Types of skin diseases that often occur in children

Skin diseases can be suffered by adults and children. In children, the most common types of skin ailments are rashes and itching due to irritation and allergies related to the response to the environment, cleaning products, and food. Children, especially infants or toddlers are more at risk of developing skin diseases because of their daily habits of wearing diapers. In addition, skin diseases may also be experienced due to contact with other children who already have skin disorders due to certain germs or viruses. Of course, there are also hereditary skin diseases, and this type of skin disease is usually permanent.

Common Skin Diseases Affected by Children

Types of skin diseases suffered by children are generally the same as adults. However, there are some types of skin diseases that are more commonly experienced by children, including:

• Diaper rash (diaper dermatitis)

Diaper rash is inflammation in areas covered by diapers, such as buttocks and groin folds. This disease arises from prolonged contact with urine and feces, or irritation of certain substances in diapers. The following conditions increase the risk of diaper rash:
• Use diapers for too long.
• The child has diarrhea or frequent bowel movements.
• The child's skin is often wet or sweaty.

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

• Cradle cap

This condition usually occurs in newborns up to three years old. This is characterized by the presence of thick white or yellow scales on the surface of the scalp. In the medical world, this condition is called cradle cap which is another term for seborrheic dermatitis. Although rare, this disorder can sometimes occur in several other body parts, such as the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, nasal folds, back of the neck, or underarms. In some cases, this disease can cause crusty skin and yellowish discharge. However, usually this disease will disappear by itself. But if it does not disappear, it is advisable to immediately visit a doctor to get the right treatment.

• Eczema

Eczema called medical atopic dermatitis is a skin disease characterized by red and itchy skin. Although it often occurs in children, but that does not mean adults are free from this disease. Eczema is a type of long-term (chronic) skin disease and tends to recur suddenly, but then subsides. In some individuals, eczema can be accompanied by asthma. There is no treatment that can cure this disease, medicine only serves to help relieve symptoms. In addition to drugs, to reduce symptoms, several actions can be taken, for example:
• Don't scratch the skin because it can cause sores and infections.
• Avoid using soap that can cause irritation.
• Keep skin clean.
• Avoid stress.
• Diligently moisturize the skin.

• Measles

Another common type of skin disease affecting children is measles. Measles is a disease caused by a virus with rapid spread. In rare cases, measles can cause serious complications in children, such as pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs). There is now measles vaccination as a preventive measure. Giving the measles vaccine to children can minimize the risk of developing this disease.

• Warts

Warts are skin growths caused by the HPV virus (human pappillomavirus). There are more than 60 types of HPV virus, but only some of which cause the growth of warts on the skin. This disease can be transmitted through direct physical contact to the skin. Warts in children can appear on the fingers, palms, soles of the feet, knees, or elbows.

• Chicken pox

Chickenpox is a very common disease affecting children, but can also occur in adults. This disease is caused by a viral infection called varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox symptoms are usually in the form of hot fever accompanied by a rash on the skin. The rash itself appears in the form of blisters such as dew drops, spots, and sores. Chickenpox usually affects children for a week and can spread to other children in a short time. Luckily now there is a vaccination that has been carried out widely, so that this skin disease is increasingly rare in children.

• Impetigo

This condition is a type of skin disease caused by a bacterial infection and can be cured by administering antibiotics. This disease generally attacks the area around the child's mouth and nose, although it may also appear in other parts of the body. Characteristic of impetigo is a rash that emits yellowish fluid. This liquid can then turn into a yellowish crust. If scratched, the disease can spread and become worse.

• Prickly heat

One more type of skin disease that often attacks the bodies of children is prickly heat. This is caused by a blockage in the pores of the skin so that sweat cannot come out. Prickly heat will then cause the appearance of spots like pimples that meet the neck and head. Usually this disease will disappear by itself. Parents should wear clothes that are comfortable and can absorb sweat so that the prickly heat does not get worse.

Do not panic if you find a baby to get one of the types of skin diseases in children above. If confused or hesitant in dealing with it, immediately consult a dermatologist or pediatrician.