Children's Skin Disorders

Eczema

Eczema is a common skin disease in both adults and children and is more common in those whose families have a history of allergies. Though it often begins in infancy, it can start at any age. Eczema is essentially an inflammation of the skin, which is made worse through rubbing and scratching or being exposed to sweat or chemical irritants. Though it is not curable, it can be treated, usually with over-the-counter moisturizers. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe steroid creams.

Warts, which are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), are small areas of hardened skin that are often raised. They are common among people of all ages, but children get them more often than adults. Most warts appear on the hands, feet and face, and while they usually don't hurt, they can be unsightly. Warts can easily be removed by a doctor, and there are some over-the-counter medicines that will make warts disappear.

Acne is the most common skin problem among teens and preteens, with nearly 80 percent of them experiencing it, according to kidshealth.org. Acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum, an oil that moistens hair and skin. Teens are prone to acne because hormonal changes often lead to excess sebum production. The excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria in pores, causing them to clog and get inflamed, leading to a pimple. Acne can be mild or severe. Mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide, but severe acne should be treated by a dermatologist.

Fungal infections are common in children, with ringworm and thrush being two of the most common. Ringworm is caused by the tinea fungus and can occur in various places on the body. Thrush is an infection caused by the yeast candida albicans. It can occur as white spots in the mouth or on the skin as a rash.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than half of all children between the ages of 4 months and 15 months develop diaper rash at least once. Various things can cause diaper rash, including too much moisture, rubbing and chafing, and the skin being in contact with urine and stools for extended periods of time. Keeping your baby clean and dry is the best defense against diaper rash. If your child does get diaper rash, there are over-the-counter creams to help alleviate the symptoms. Most cases of diaper rash clear up in two or three days.