as the saying goes, and this is also true in terms of dermatology.
The skin of infants and children is more vulnerable and more hydrated than that of adults, resulting in a tendency to blister. Their defense systems are immature, leading to a higher susceptibility to infections. The skin surface is large relative to the body mass, which can result in a higher rate of absorption of poisonous materials.
Timely treatment of the cause of suddenly appearing dermatological symptoms is usually successful, while treatment of only the symptoms can lead to protracted illness. Appropriate treatment of chronic skin disease will minimize discomfort and help to socially integrate the child. For these reasons, it is essential that a child with dermatological disorders be treated by a specialist.
dr. Asbóth Dorottya.
The color, temperature, softness, texture, peeling and underlying fat content of an infant’s skin provide important information about the baby’s general condition, maturity and nutrition. Skin diseases are relatively common: Staphylococci and Candida Albicans-related infections, necrosis of fatty tissue, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, pustules, inflammation of the diaper area and congenital conditions. Maternal infections during pregnancy and autoimmune processes can also cause dermatologic symptoms. Birthmarks which are present at birth, depending on the type, should also be attended to.
Skin infections are contagious, with impetigo still occurring frequently – antibiotics can be avoided by timely application of local treatment. Viral warts can be picked up at swimming pools, in gyms, or even from manicure scissors. So-called swimming pool warts (molloscum contagiosum) deserve special attention due to their prevalence. Unfortunately, truly effective conservative treatments do not exist in the case of viral warts, removal is the least painful. If the infection is extensive, surgery can only be carried out under anesthesia or narcotics.
Among fungal infections, microsporiasis carried by pets can spread to deep layers of the skin and scalp, requiring long-term medication.
eczema in childhood has different characteristics than in infancy. It tends to affect the inside surface of the joints of the extremities, typically the wrists. When very prevalent, the entire body surface can be affected and secondary bacterial infections are common.
At 6-7 years of age, birthmarks noticeably increase in number. These should be charted and dealt with, especially if they are not uniform. Chronic skin diseases (e.g., lichen, psoriasis), immunbullosis (e.g., linear IgA disease), autoimmune diseases (e.g., dermatomyositis) first appear at this age. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve the quality of the child’s life.
One of the major problems experienced by adolescents is acne, often resulting in serious psychological problems. Although the condition usually disappears after adolescence, the negative experience and the resultant skin surface justifies timely treatment. This is usually a complex task, requiring lengthy cooperation from both the parent and the teenager. Inflamed acne conglobata results in permanent scarring, which can later only be partially removed through expensive and painful procedures.
Teenagers with multiple, non-uniform birthmarks should be monitored regularly – every 3 months – to screen for pigmented pre-malignancies. Suspicious birthmarks are photographed digitally and changes are compared in the course of monitoring, thereby providing clear justification for surgical removal. Surgery is followed by compulsory histological processing, the results of which must be retained along with the child’s other medical documentation.
Partial or total loss of hair can seriously affect a child of any age. Detection of the causes and choice of effective remedy is critical.