Parents naturally get worried when their children encounter a problem with their skin. Being conscious and taking precautions against certain situations is important at this point and it should be known in which cases to consult a doctor. Dermatology Specialist Dr. Filiz Altıoğlu Çığ gave important information to Sözcü Hayat readers about the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
Skin diseases are among the most common health problems in society and differ according to age. It is also very common in children. 0-19 age group constitutes 25.3% of Turkey’s 2012 population. Although childhood skin diseases are well known, data on the prevalence, age and gender distribution of these diseases are not comprehensive and satisfactory. If we need to talk about the most common diseases in this age range according to their frequency, we can roughly list the most common skin diseases from infancy to the end of childhood as follows;
cat
It is seen in one of three babies on average. The most important reasons; It is the stool touching the sensitive baby skin, the microorganisms in the urine and the excessive humidity of the area. Especially during breastfeeding, the mother should pay attention to her food, change the diaper frequently, wash the baby’s bottom with clear water if possible, pay attention to the use of products compatible with her skin, and care should be taken to apply the creams used in a very thin layer rather than the consistency of yogurt.
Mansion
It is a condition with an almost physiological frequency, which manifests itself with yellow or white crusting on the baby’s skin, as a result of the overworking of the cells responsible for producing oil. Baby oil or olive oil is applied and left for half an hour before bathing. Rarely, it can be cleaned with the help of a very soft toothbrush. It is a permanent disorder.
Rash
It is a discomfort with itching and redness caused by the clogging of the sweat gland pores as a result of hot weather and excessive sweating. It can be easily seen in all age groups. Treatment; It is achieved by creating the opposite of the environmental conditions that cause discomfort in the body. Frequent washing, removal of sweat and the use of comfortable clothes.
Congenital Stains
Mongolian spot; It is a blue-black skin-level stain that is especially located on the waist and hips and has nothing to do with mongolia. In addition, spots and swellings on the spine should be shown to a physician.
Strawberry or Wine Stain (Hemangiomas)
These are spots that are characterized by enlargement and enlargement of blood vessels under the skin, which may be at the skin level or raised from the skin. Usually they can grow up to 1 year old, most of them regress by 7 years old. However, hemangiomas around and inside the eye and mouth should be shown to a specialist at an earlier stage, complications that may occur can be prevented with early intervention.
Eczema
It is the most common skin condition among the childhood age group. It is more common in children with a family history, asthma and allergic rhinitis. It can be seen in all age groups, with slight differences in distribution sites. Allergens that come into contact with the prone skin quickly cause itching and flushing in the child, resulting in restlessness. It is beneficial to protect the skin of children with this type of structure from damage, dryness and allergens. Especially in the spring and winter months, the drier weather can worsen this situation. Moisturizing the skin abundantly, moisturizing the rooms, and using soaps and shampoos for atopic skin are the precautions that can be taken. Children who cannot relax with moisturizers should definitely be shown to a skin doctor.
Undercover
It can be seen mostly in adolescence, rarely in infancy and childhood. Pimples seen in infancy may be caused by the mother or, rarely, by a problem of the baby’s own hormonal system. It is useful to be examined by a Dermatologist to determine the exact cause. To alleviate acne during childhood, it is important to wash the face regularly with appropriate cleansers at home. Paper towels should be used as they are disposable.
Infectious Diseases
The most common diseases in this group are those due to viruses. Warts, herpes, chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth disease are in this group.
Developed due to bacteria: Impetigo and other soft tissue infections that manifest as reddish yellow crusted sores on the face. to mushrooms related diseases: mostly seen on the scalp,. It is rarely seen between the toes, nails and body. parasitic The most important of the diseases is lice. It occupies the most hair in the child age group, its treatment is mechanical cleaning (vinegar and lice) and lice shampoos are used once, and after 1 week if necessary.
All these ailments should be treated under the supervision of a physician.
Discoloration Disorders
This group is most common between the ages of 6-11. Absence of color-forming cells in the body, called Vitiligo; It is a disease that manifests itself with a change in color with white color. The disease, which is exacerbated by stress, can regress spontaneously or help from a specialist. facial eczema; A kind of eczema, called pityriasis alba, is a condition that causes discoloration of the facial skin in summer, mostly in dark-skinned children. Sun protection and ample hydration help in easing.
Hair Diseases
Hair diseases are rarely seen in the childhood age group. Among these, coin-shaped spills, called Alopesia areata, come the most. The reason may be stress, sometimes thyroid diseases, diabetes, rheumatic diseases. Although rare, structural disorders of the hair and general shedding mostly based on a systemic cause can also be seen.
Urticaria (Hives)
Although it is mostly seen in adults, it is rarely seen in the childhood age group. It can hold any part of the body. It can be itchy, manifests itself at the skin level or as raised patches, and the involvement of the face and lips is urgent. The treatment must be done under the supervision of a doctor. The most important reason is food taken, drugs, infections. Insect bites are also a type of urticaria. Allergy can become widespread with the distribution of the substance in the secretion of the biting insect, especially the bite site, throughout the body.
