Skin conditions in babies and children: symptoms, causes and treatment
Infants’ skin is unique in its softness and smoothness, characteristics that result from a structure that is still forming. Being thinner than that of adults, the epidermis and dermis are less rigid, which makes the skin less impermeable and prone to dehydration more rapidly.
In addition, the pH of infant skin, which differs from that of adults, can affect its ability to fight microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, making it more vulnerable to irritation and infection. The lower amount of melanin and surface fats further limits natural protection against sunlight and weathering.
These characteristics make children’s skin extremely delicate, requiring specific care and targeted attention to ensure adequate protection and promote its healthy development.
ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disorder that appears from the first few months of life. Symptoms start to appear in infants between the age of four months and one year, or in older children between the ages of six and eight.
NAPPY RASH (DIAPER DERMATITIS)
Nappy rash (also known as diaper dermatitis or diaper erythema) is a common skin inflammation that develops in young children, creating redness and burning in the area covered by the diaper.
CHICKENPOX (VARICELLA)
Chickenpox is a childhood eruptive or exanthematous disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus causes fever and an exanthem of itchy blisters that evolve into pustules, affecting the entire body, including the mouth and scalp.
HEAT RASH
Heat rash (also known as prickly heat or miliaria) is a disorder caused by excessive sweating and occurs when the skin is unable to disperse heat, which causes the eccrine glands to become blocked. It commonly affects infants and children, especially in the summertime, when they may be too covered-up for the warmer temperatures. In some cases, heat rash can also occur in adults, often as a result of doing sport while wearing synthetic clothing. Heat rash appears on the trunk and face, and rarely on the arms or legs.
DRY SKIN
Dry, cracked skin (xerosis cutanea) in infants and children can be genetic, or can be linked to atopic dermatitis. Dry skin is usually associated with symptoms such as flaking, itching, redness and, often in very young babies, skin peeling (desquamation).