Different types of rashes in children

If your child develops a rash, it's important to see a doctor. Rashes caused by the same conditions can look so different in different people that even skin specialists sometimes have trouble diagnosing them. So our goal is to give you a general idea of the different types of rashes.

Heat rash. It occurs in children with the onset of hot weather. It begins around the neck and shoulders in the form of a cluster of small beige-pink pimples, on some of which tiny blisters appear.

Intertrigo. It appears only on those areas of the skin where urine gets in. Intertrigo looks like pink and red areas of different sizes or rough red spots.

Eczema. Red, rough patches on the skin that initially disappear and then reappear. In severe cases of eczema, the patches become flaky, itchy, and crusty. In infants, eczema usually begins on the cheeks, then on the body at the end of the first year, and on the knees and elbows after one year.

Hives are blisters that cover the body fairly evenly or are isolated (similar to a mosquito bite) and cause itching.

Insect bite sites. They can be different: from large swollen tumors to a small spot of dried blood without any swelling. Most bite sites have one thing in common: there is always a tiny hole or bump in the center where the sting was inserted. Usually, open areas of skin are susceptible to bites. If the bite site is very itchy or painful, you can lubricate it with a paste made from soda and water. If this does not help, you can try moistening the area with vinegar. In case of bee stings, first of all, you need to pull out the sting, and then do what is written earlier. In addition, it is necessary to remember that insect bites, especially bees, wasps, hornets, bumblebees, can cause a general allergic reaction - Quincke's edema, bronchospasm and even anaphylactic shock. Therefore, it is advisable to give the child suprastin (from a quarter to one tablet depending on age), tavegil, fenkarol or another antihistamine as soon as possible, but it is best to consult a doctor.

Scabies. A cluster of crusted pimples and multiple scratch marks indicate the presence of the scabies mite inside the skin. The pimples are usually located in pairs and itch unbearably. Typical locations of the rash are the backs of the hands, abdomen, and genitals. Scabies is contagious and requires treatment.

Ringworm. These are round patches of rough skin, usually about the size of a penny. The edges of the ringworm are covered with small bumps. Ringworm on the scalp is round patches of flaky, hairless skin. Ringworm is a fungal disease, it is contagious and requires treatment.

Impetigo (pustular skin disease). In a child who has left infancy, impetigo appears as crusts that are partly brown and yellow. Generally speaking, crusts on the face are usually impetigo. The disease begins with the appearance of a pimple with a tiny yellowish or white blister, which the child soon scratches. The blister, or rather pustule, bursts and a crust appears in its place. Pustules appear on the face and on those parts of the body where the hands bring the infection. Impetigo spreads quickly if left untreated and is contagious to others.

In newborns, pustular diseases proceed somewhat differently. At first, a very small pustule containing pus appears. The skin around the pustule turns red. It quickly bursts and an erosion of the skin forms, not a crust. This disease is called vesiculopustulosis and is one of those diseases of newborns that can lead to sepsis. It requires immediate medical attention. Only in extreme cases can these elements be removed with a cotton swab with alcohol and treated with brilliant green or pyoktanin. It is also advisable to prescribe antibiotics (the age-related dosage will be determined by the doctor).

Pediculosis (lice infestation). Lice are common in children's groups. Lice bites cause itching and the appearance of red spots on the scalp (head lice). It is more difficult to detect a louse in the hair than its eggs (nits), which are attached to the hair and look like boxes (under a microscope). To get rid of lice, you need to wash your hair in a vinegar solution and comb out the nits with a special comb. At night, you need to wet your hair with a vinegar solution and wrap your head in oilcloth and a towel. In the morning, wash your head with soap and comb out the nits again with a comb.

Birthmarks. Many newborns may have small red spots on the back of their neck. They may also be between the eyebrows and on the upper eyelids. These spots usually disappear on their own and do not require treatment. They are called hemangiectasias. Sometimes, however, true birthmarks do occur. If they do not cause cosmetic defects (if located on the face), it is better not to touch them. However, if they disfigure the child, they can be removed later.

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