Parents naturally get worried when their children encounter a problem with their skin. Being conscious and taking precautions against certain situations is valuable at this point and it should be known in which situations to consult a doctor. Dermatology Specialist Dr. Filiz Altıoğlu Çığ gave valuable information to Sözcü Hayat readers about the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
Skin diseases are 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 sufficiently known, the data on the prevalence, age and gender distribution of these diseases are not comprehensive and satisfactory. 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;
cat
It is seen in one of three babies on average. The most valuable reasons; It is the stool touching the sensitive baby skin, the microorganisms in the urine and the very humidity of the area. Especially during the breastfeeding period, the mother should pay attention to her food, change the diaper frequently, wash the baby’s bottom with clean water if possible, pay attention to the use of products that are compatible with her skin, and care should be taken to apply the creams used in a very thin layer more than yogurt consistency.
Mansion
It is a disease with an almost physiological frequency, which manifests itself with yellow or white crusting on the baby’s skin, as a result of the hard work 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 seen quickly in all age groups. Treatment; It is achieved by creating the exact opposite of the environmental rules 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, especially located on the waist and hips, and has nothing to do with mongolism. In addition, spots and swellings on the spine should definitely be shown to a doctor.
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. They can usually grow up to 1 year old, many regress up to 7 years old. However, hemangiomas around and inside the eyes and mouth should be shown to a specialist at an earlier period, complications that may occur can be prevented with early intervention.
Eczema
It is the most common skin condition in the middle of the childhood age group. It is more common in children with a familial history of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It can be seen in each age cluster, with slight differences in the places of distribution. 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. Humidification of the skin, humidification of the rooms, and the use of soap and shampoo for atopic skin are measures that can be taken. Children who cannot relax with moisturizers should definitely be shown to a dermatologist.
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 thought about the baby’s own hormonal system. It is useful to be examined by a Skin Doctor to determine the exact cause. In order to alleviate acne during childhood, systematic washing of the face with appropriate cleansers at home is of great value. Paper towels should be used as they are disposable.
Infectious Diseases
The most common diseases in this cluster are those due to viruses. Warts, herpes, chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth disease are included in this cluster.
Developed due to bacteria: Impetigo and other soft tissue infections that manifest as reddish yellow crusted wounds on the face. Diseases related to fungi: mostly seen on the scalp. It is rarely seen in the middle of the toes, nails and body. The most valuable of parasitic diseases is lice. In the children’s age group, the highest hair price, the treatment is mechanically clean (vinegar and lice) and lice shampoos are used once, and if necessary, they are used after 1 week.
All these ailments should be treated under the supervision of a doctor.
Discoloration Disorders
This cluster is most common in the middle of 6-11 years of age. The absence of color-making 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 tension, can regress itself, and help from a specialist can be taken. 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 lightening.
Hair Diseases
Hair diseases are rarely seen in childhood age group. Among these, the most common is the money-shaped spills called Alopesia areata. The reason may be tension, 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 in the form of raised patches, facial and lip involvement is urgent. The treatment should be done under the supervision of a physician. The most valuable reason is the 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 at the bite site, to the body.