1. Bacterial Skin Infections

Caused by bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Impetigo

• Highly contagious, common in toddlers and preschoolers.
• Symptoms:
  • Red sores that break open and form honey-colored crusts (often around the mouth and nose).
• Treatment:
  • Topical or oral antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin, cephalexin).
  • Keep affected areas clean and covered.

Cellulitis

• Deeper bacterial infection affecting the skin and underlying tissues.
• Symptoms:
  • Red, warm, swollen skin with tenderness.
  • Fever and chills in severe cases.
• Treatment:
  • Oral or IV antibiotics, depending on severity.
  • Monitor for spreading redness, as it may indicate worsening infection.

Boils (Furuncles) & Abscesses

• Painful, pus-filled lumps caused by bacterial infections in hair follicles.
• Treatment:
  • Warm compresses to help drainage.
  • Larger boils may need drainage by a doctor.
  • Antibiotics if severe or recurrent.

2. Viral Skin Infections

Caused by viruses, often self-limiting but can be contagious.

Molluscum Contagiosum

• Caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (poxvirus family).
• Symptoms:
  • Small, flesh-colored, dome-shaped bumps with a central dimple.
  • May spread through skin contact or shared items.
• Treatment:
  • Often resolves on its own in 6–12 months.
  • Cantharidin (“beetle juice”) or cryotherapy may be used for removal.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

• Caused by Coxsackievirus.
• Symptoms:
  • Fever, sore throat, followed by painful mouth sores.
  • Red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and diaper area.
• Treatment:
  • Supportive care with hydration and pain relief (acetaminophen, ibuprofen).
  • Hand hygiene to prevent spread.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – Cold Sores

• Painful blisters around the lips or mouth.
• Triggered by stress, fever, or sun exposure.
• Treatment:
  • Antiviral creams or oral antivirals (acyclovir) if severe.

3. Fungal Skin Infections

Caused by fungi, usually affecting warm, moist areas of the body.

Ringworm (Tinea)

• Caused by dermatophyte fungi (Tinea species).
• Symptoms:
  • Circular, scaly, red patches with a clear center.
  • Can affect the scalp, body, feet (athlete’s foot), or groin (jock itch).
• Treatment:
  • Topical antifungal creams (clotrimazole, terbinafine).
  • Oral antifungals for scalp infections (griseofulvin, terbinafine).

Candida (Yeast) Infections

• Common in diaper areas and skin folds.
• Symptoms:
  • Bright red rash with satellite lesions (small red bumps around the main rash).
  • May occur after antibiotic use.
• Treatment:
  • Topical antifungal creams (nystatin, clotrimazole).
  • Keep the area dry and clean.

4. Parasitic Skin Infections

Caused by tiny parasites that live on or in the skin.

Scabies

• Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite.
• Symptoms:
  • Intense itching, especially at night.
  • Red, pimple-like rash between fingers, wrists, elbows, and diaper area.
• Treatment:
  • Permethrin cream (apply from neck down, leave overnight).
  • Treat all household contacts to prevent reinfection.

Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis)

• Tiny lice infest the scalp and lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts.
• Symptoms:
  • Itchy scalp, visible lice or nits.
• Treatment:
  • Lice shampoos (permethrin, malathion) and nit combing.
  • Wash bedding, clothes, and hair accessories.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if:

• The rash or infection worsens or spreads despite treatment.
• The child develops fever, pain, or swelling.
• There is pus, drainage, or red streaks around the rash.
• The infection keeps coming back.