Skin problems in children: 1. Infections in the early years

P Gilbert1

  • 1University of Warwick.

Professional Care of Mother and Child
|November 14, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Skin infections, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, manifest in various ways, from localized rashes to systemic symptoms. Understanding these diverse presentations is crucial for healthcare providers to offer accurate advice and referrals.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The skin serves vital functions in maintaining body health.
  • Skin condition is a key indicator of overall health and disease.
  • Rashes present diverse diagnostic features.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic features of various skin infections.
  • To differentiate between localized, extensive, and systemic skin infections.
  • To emphasize the importance of knowledge regarding skin infections for healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentations of skin infections.
  • Categorization of infections based on causative agents (bacteria, virus, fungi).
  • Classification of infections by affected area (localized, extensive, systemic).

Main Results:

  • Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections produce distinct dermatological effects.
  • Skin infections can range from localized to widespread.
  • Systemic infections involve internal and external symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of skin infections is essential for nurses and midwives.
  • Knowledge enables appropriate parental advice, reassurance, and referrals.
  • Accurate diagnosis of skin conditions aids in timely and effective patient management.

Related Concept Videos

Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...