The skin of young children is very sensitive. Exposure to the surrounding environment or weather is also a cause of children developing skin diseases such as prickly heat, rashes, boils, eczema, etc., which makes them fussy and uncomfortable. Especially in the dry winter weather, dermatology experts at Hai Phong International Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital receive and treat many cases of children with skin issues. Below are the top 10 common dermatological conditions in children, parents should study to prevent them for their little ones!
1. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis in children, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that tends to recur frequently. The condition can occur at any age and often begins in childhood. In Vietnam, based on some studies, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis is 26.6% in infants and 16% in children under 5 years old.
Acute stage: The common lesions are vesicles that are ruptured on a background of erythematous skin, with serous exudate and crusting, these lesions are often seen on the forehead, cheeks, and chin of the child. In more severe cases, they may appear on the trunk and limbs.
Chronic stage: At this point, the child’s skin is usually thick and dry, with cracks in the skin causing pain, and large folds such as the palms, soles, wrists, and ankles… Increased or decreased pigmentation after inflammation.
2. Scabies
Children’s skin is very delicate, so if there is someone in the family with scabies, the child is very likely to get infected.
Common symptoms include blisters in the creases of the hands, feet, abdomen, genital area, and intense itching at night causing the child to cry.
3. Fungal Infection
Fungal skin disease in children is caused by fungi, leading to systemic fungal infections, scalp fungus,…, commonly seen in children over 2 years old, and sometimes occurring in adults and infants. Fungal skin disease only attacks the skin and does not affect internal organs like other types of fungal diseases.
There are many causes of fungal skin disease, such as being infected by an infected person, pets, or being transmitted from contaminated objects like clothes, diapers, hats,… In addition, children can also get fungal skin disease if they wear damp clothes, do not sweat,…
4. Tinea Versicolor
Tinea Versicolor is a common skin condition in children characterized by patches of discolored skin. On lighter skin, these patches are usually darker, while on darker skin, they tend to be lighter, slightly scaly, with a prominent border, and sometimes mildly itchy. The cause of the condition is due to the excessive growth of a common fungus on human skin, which can be triggered by excessive sun exposure or when the air is too dry or humid.
5. Genital Warts
Genital warts in children are a disease caused by the HPV virus in the genital area, which is a condition where cells grow excessively but do not lead to cancer. On average, children aged 2 to 8 years or 5 to 6 years are at the highest risk of developing genital warts.
Genital warts in children cause the child to feel itchy, painful, and may bleed in the affected area. In males, genital warts typically appear as lesions around the anus, surrounding the anus, and are less commonly found on the penis. In females, genital warts will be found around the anus, vulva, hymen, outside the vagina, and around the urethral opening of the girl. It is very rare to find them in the vaginal or rectal mucosa.
6. Congenital skin diseases
7. Skin peeling due to staphylococcus
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome is an acute skin infection caused by the exotoxin of group 2 Staphylococcus aureus. The disease is characterized by blistering, red skin that resembles burns or blisters.
8. Hemangioma
Hemangiomas are usually benign and small in size. They can appear in various locations on the body; however, hemangiomas on the head, face, and neck are more common. Nevertheless, if left untreated, hemangiomas can progress and affect the child’s development.
9. Neonatal toxic erythema
Occurs in 30-70% of term infants, it is the most common pustular condition in newborns. The etiology is unknown. The lesions are in the form of erythematous macules and papules that are yellow or white with pustules on the background of the rash, primarily distributed on the trunk and extremities except for the palms and soles.
10. Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a type of benign soft tumor in children that usually does not require treatment and will resolve on its own over time (approximately after 6 months to 4 years). However, in cases where the soft tumors on the skin are widespread, itchy, painful, affecting aesthetics, and the child wishes to be treated… the doctor to treat molluscum contagiosum for the child
With a team of well-trained experts from universities and major hospitals such as the Central Pediatric Hospital, the Central Dermatology Hospital…, the International Pediatric Center, the Hai Phong International Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital receives and treats all dermatological issues and conditions in children from newborns to older children. Parents who wish to bring their child for examination can register for a consultation at Room 203 – 2nd Floor of the International Pediatric Center, Hai Phong International Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital to be examined and receive detailed advice from specialists!
