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.
