SKIN DISEASES IN CHILDHOOD

SKIN DISEASES IN CHILDHOOD

 Both the infant and the young child are subject to many minor and even some serious skin diseases. Most of these, such as impetigo, scabies, and fungus infections of the skin, we have previously discussed under preventive body care (see pages 162-185). The more serious diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, are taken up in separate sections, since they affect adults as well as children (see Index).

 Children are peculiarly susceptible to ringworm of the scalp. While adults frequently are affected by fungus infections of the smooth skin, I such as athlete's foot, ringworm infection of the scalp am rare in adults. It is a stubborn infection in children and often one schoolchild infects another. The disease is recognized chiefly by the bald patches when the fungus destroys hairs which fall out. The itching and scratching may lead to irritations which may be confused with bacterial infections.

However, if a doctor is given a chance, he can diagnose the ringworm by special methods. One is to use an ultraviolet lamp which causes the fungi to fluoresce in the dark, allowing them to be seen in the hair. Also, the doctor will confirm his suspicions by finding the characteristic spores of the fungi. 

This is done by treating some infected hairs with chemicals and examining them under a microscope. Treatment can be effective but requires patience on the part of doctor, child, and parent. Petechial Rash Infants and children often have rashes which are not serious. But one type, while rare, indicates a potentially dangerous disease. This is called petechial rash and is caused by bleeding under the skin. If your child has a rash, you can determine whether or not it is of this type by pressing one or more of the spots between your thumbs. If it does not blanch, that is, if the color still remains, call a doctor immediately.