Pediatric Dermatology

Acne can occur at any age but mainly occurs in adolescents and young adults. It is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicle and different factors are involved in its pathogenesis. Treatment depends on the type of acne and its severity. There are options of different topical products and also systemic medications including oral antibiotics, isotretinoin.

Treatment of juvenile acne requires time and perseverance because it can take many months to cure all the symptoms of the disease. Treatment is often supplemented with additional treatments (laser, chemical peels) aimed at removing post-inflammatory scars and blemishes. Proper skin care at home also plays an important role in the treatment of acne.

Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is an inflammatory skin disease of common childhood onset. It manifests as very itchy red plaques with severe skin dryness. In infants the lesions predominate on the face and may spread to other sites on the body, almost always respecting the area covered by the diaper. In older children they are mainly located in the elbow creases, behind the knees, wrists and ankles. In some cases atopic dermatitis may be associated with different allergies. However, its cause is mainly associated with a congenital disorder of the structure of the lipid mantle of the skin. Also patients with atopic dermatitis have altered immune system of the skin and therefore develop an exaggerated inflammation to different external factors. In the treatment of atopic dermatitis the most important is the use of emollients (topical moisturizing products). In addition, depending on the severity of the symptoms, different topical, systemic or phototherapy medications may be considered.

Diaper dermatitis is a disease of the skin covered by the diaper, due to moisture, maceration, friction and contact with urine, feces. It manifests as a bright red rash sometimes with scaly areas, erosions and papules. To prevent the appearance of skin lesions it is important to change diapers frequently as soon as they become wet or soiled, use water and a soft cloth instead of cleansing wipes which can further irritate the skin. The application of zinc oxide or petroleum jelly based products protects the skin from moisture and helps to relieve irritation. In some cases it is necessary to add an anti-inflammatory cream with corticosteroids and antifungals.

Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by bacteria that is very common in children, especially around the nose and mouth. It manifests as superficial blisters that rapidly transform into erosions covered by honey-colored crusts. Impetigo in children responds well to topical antibiotics but in some cases treatment with oral antibiotics is necessary.

Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum contagiosum) is a poxvirus infection exclusively affecting the skin. It is transmitted by direct cutaneous contact and is very frequent in children. It manifests as small, semitransparent, centrally umbilicated, usually multiple and disseminated skin elevations. In children they can be located anywhere on the body, although they are more frequent on the trunk, armpits, flexures and extremities.

Nevi or moles are pigmented skin lesions. Most nevi in children do not require treatment but only periodic dermatological controls during which a special magnifying glass called dermatoscope is used. This examination is completely painless for the patient.

Photoprotection is very important especially in patients with numerous nevi.

Lice are insects that live in people's hair and measure between 2 to 3 mm. They feed on the blood they suck when they bite. The eggs, called nits, are smaller, almost like a flake of dandruff that can be seen attached to the hair. The most common way to get head lice is by direct contact with an infested person, that is, by very close head-to-head contact. Another common way of spreading lice and nits is through clothing (mainly scarves, hats or caps). Sharing combs, brushes or towels is also a cause of head lice transmission. The manifestations of head lice include intense itching of the scalp, irritation and redness of the neck. Treatment consists mainly of topical products (shampoos, skin solutions).