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[Acute skin infections and their imitators in children : A photo quiz]

M Theiler1,2, A Schwieger-Briel1, L Weibel3,4

  • 1Abteilung pädiatrische Dermatologie, Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zürich, Schweiz.

Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift Fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, Und Verwandte Gebiete
|September 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric skin infections are common, but some conditions mimic them, leading to misdiagnosis. This guide helps differentiate common pediatric skin infections from imitators for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatopathology

Background:

  • Skin infections represent 40% of pediatric dermatology emergency visits.
  • Prompt recognition and treatment of pediatric skin infections are crucial.
  • Characteristic skin findings can mimic infections, leading to misdiagnosis.

Observation:

  • This study presents a photo quiz format to illustrate common pediatric skin infections.
  • It compares infectious conditions with their non-infectious mimics.
  • Clinical clues for differentiation are highlighted.

Findings:

  • Eczema herpeticum vs. bacterial superinfection of atopic dermatitis.
  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease vs. varicella infection.
  • Erythema chronicum multiforme vs. urticaria.
  • Gianotti-Crosti syndrome vs. Gianotti-Crosti-like reactions.
  • Bacterial folliculitis/kerion vs. eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.
  • Cutaneous leishmaniasis vs. idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma.
  • Allergic vs. bacterial lymphangitis.
  • Bullous impetigo vs. nonaccidental scalding.

Implications:

  • Accurate diagnosis of pediatric skin infections is essential to avoid treatment pitfalls.
  • Thorough patient history and physical examination are critical.
  • Understanding differential diagnoses improves patient outcomes in pediatric dermatology.
Abstract

Keywords:
Anular urticariaEczema herpeticatumErythema chronicum multilocularisGianotti-Crosti syndromeHand, foot and mouth disease

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