In preschool-aged children, the most common skin conditions are bacterial and viral infections, as well as atopic dermatitis.
The most common bacterial infection is impetigo, caused by strains of streptococcus and staphylococcus. The disease typically presents as flat red spots, on which small sores (erosions) develop, along with a characteristic yellowish, honey-colored crust (honey-colored scab). Impetigo is very common during the summer months, is accompanied by itching, is associated with skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis), and can spread to other family members.
Other bacterial infections common at this age include scarlet fever (a reaction to a streptococcal infection, usually of the upper respiratory tract), with the characteristic strawberry-like tongue and scattered reddish rash, as well as the more unusual deeper skin infections (e.g., impetigo), which should prompt parents to seek a more comprehensive pediatric evaluation of their child.
Impetigo is the most common viral skin infection at this age. Like bacterial infections (impetigo), impetigo develops more easily on relatively unhealthy skin, such as skin with an atopic predisposition. This is a completely asymptomatic skin condition characterized by typical whitish, shiny papules that may cluster in groups or be scattered across various parts of the body.
For all skin infections, parents should consult their dermatologist and follow their instructions for proper treatment and prevention, ensuring that the skin is properly moisturized and cared for, as this acts as a barrier against germs.
It is therefore clear just how important it is to understand and properly care for atopic skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin condition in children, affecting up to 25% of our little ones. In this age group, the rash (red patches with scaling) tends to appear most frequently on the extremities and particularly on the inner surfaces of the elbows, knees, etc. However, at this stage of children’s lives, the condition is associated with very intense itching, which very often prevents children from sleeping peacefully, resulting in general distress and irritability. Atopic dermatitis is not a sprint but a marathon and lasts for many years. Frequent use of moisturizers and appropriate cleansers that do not dry out the skin, cotton clothing, and other specific instructions provided by the dermatologist, as well as medication to control flare-ups, help young children and parents come to terms with atopic skin.
PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY
