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Fungal and Parasitic Rashes Because children often share many things and are less likely to take cleanliness precautions than adults, parasites and fungal infections can spread quickly through a day care or your child's class at school. Pay attention to any prolonged itching or hair loss your child might experience. Scabies Scabies is an itchy rash that is often worsened with bathing or at night. It is caused by a mite, a very small insect (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrows beneath the top layer of skin. It is spread by close bodily contact such as sleeping together or sharing of clothing. It can also be sexually transmitted. Mites can survive for several days in clothes, bedding, and dust. - Symptoms
- The rash starts about 2 weeks after your child has come into contact with the mite.
- The itchy rash of scabies tends to be found between the fingers, in the armpits, and on the inner wrists and arms. It tends to spare the head, palms, and soles except in infants and with severe infestations.
- Sometimes you can see the wavy pattern the where the mite has burrowed.
- Treatment
- To prevent scabies, good hygiene, frequent hand washing, and not sharing clothing with friends is important.
- If your child has an itchy rash that lasts for more than 2-3 days, he or she should be checked by a doctor.
- Prescription medications are available to kill the mites and to decrease the allergic skin reactions of swelling and itch.
- Once anyone in the family is diagnosed with scabies, everyone in the home should be treated for mite infestation.
- All clothing and bedding must be washed in hot water and the mattresses vacuumed.
Ringworm Ringworm is a local infection of the skin with a fungus, usually Microsporum canis, Microsporium audouinii, or Trichophyton tonsurans. Doctors refer to these infections as "tinea" with several forms such as tinea corporis (ringworm on the body) and tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp). Although the 2 are caused by the same organisms, they are treated differently. Ringworm can be caught from friends (exchanging combs, brushes, or hats) or from household pets. If you think your child may have ringworm, you should see your doctor. - Symptoms
- With tinea corporis, the lesion starts as a red, slightly scaly, oval that gets bigger over time.
- The rash may be slightly itchy.
- The center of the rash may clear and appear to be normal skin.
- Tinea capitis usually starts with a round to oval area on the scalp that loses its hair.
- Sometimes, the area of the scalp will swell and may ooze. This is called a kerion and is a reaction of the body to the tinea fungus.
- Tinea capitis may also present as normal-to-severe dandruff without hairless patches on the scalp.
- Treatment
- Tinea corporis can easily be treated with topical medications available from your doctor.
- Unfortunately, it can be easily spread among family members and friends, making multiple unwanted return visits.
- Good hygiene combined with appropriate therapy can break this cycle.
- Tinea capitis requires an oral medication from your doctor.
Athlete's foot Athlete's foot is also caused by a fungal infection of the skin. - Symptoms
- A very itchy rash between the toes is usually caused by athlete's foot.
- Treatment
- Although athlete's foot can be treated with over-the-counter medications, other causes of rash can appear similar. It is best to have your child checked by the doctor if you suspect athlete's foot.
Rashes in the Newborn When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, every little bump or red patch causes alarm. It is normal for your baby to have some skin rashes. Diaper rash and cradle cap are par for the course with newborns. If you suspect that your child has more than a simple skin irritation, it is best to see a doctor. Milia - Symptoms
- Small yellow to white dots on the face and the gums occur in healthy newborns.
- A small cyst of skin cells is the cause.
- Treatment
- Milia go away by themselves and require no therapy.
- These dots are not contagious.
Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) - Symptoms
- Cradle cap is a greasy, scaly, red, bumpy rash that can occur on the scalp, behind the ears, in the armpits, and the diaper area.
- Treatment
- This rash is not harmful and can be easily treated by your doctor. No emergency care is required.
Infantile acne acne is a disorder that will go away on its own and that occurs primarily in male babies in the first 6 weeks of life. Although treatment is not required, you can discuss options with your doctor. Erythema toxicum This rash has a scary name but should really be called "the normal newborn rash" because it occurs in about half of all newborns. - Symptoms
- The rash starts with small blisters on a red base.
- Sometimes only the blotchy red base shows, and sometimes the blisters have a white or yellow material inside.
- The rash starts the second or third day of life and usually gets better in 1-2 weeks.
- Treatment
- The rash is not serious, is not contagious, and does not require treatment.
- The rash can look similar to other types of rash, so see your doctor with any questions or concerns.
Miliaria (prickly heat) This rash includes small, clear blisters usually on the nose. It is caused by the production of sweat in a warm environment and plugged sweat glands. This rash is more common when the child is dressed too warmly. It gets better on its own. Candidal rash (yeast infection) This diaper rash is a fungal or yeast infection of the skin by Candida albicans. This is the same organism that causes thrush, the white plaques in the mouth of infants. The combination of the moist diaper environment and the presence of C albicans in the normal gastrointestinal tract of children causes a candidal rash. - Symptoms
- An intensely red, raised rash with discreet borders is found. The borders may have a ring of fine scales.
- Surrounding the main area of rash there may be smaller lesions, called satellite lesions, which are characteristic of candidal diaper rashes.
- The rash tends to involve the creases and folds because of the warm, moist environment.
- Treatment
- This rash is easily treated by medications available from your doctor, but it tends to recur.
Seborrheic dermatitis A greasy, scaly, red diaper rash, seborrheic dermatitis tends to occur in the creases and folds just as in candidal rashes. Unlike candidal rashes, the rash is usually not intensely red or scaly but instead is usually moist and greasy in appearance. This rash is not harmful and can be easily treated by your doctor. Irritant diaper rash The effects of urine and feces on the sensitive skin of the newborn cause this rash. The creases and folds are spared in this rash, unlike seborrhea or candidal diaper rash. - Treatment
- To prevent diaper rash, change soiled or wet diapers as soon as possible.
- Make sure that baby clothing is well rinsed, and do not use fabric softeners because this may irritate delicate skin.
- Many doctors suggest allowing the bottom to go bare for several hours a day, especially to help heal a diaper rash.
- Topical ointments with zinc oxide also provide a barrier and may help with healing of a diaper rash.
VitaDocs Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth
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clinical and microscopically,