Young babies often get heat rash. Blocked sweat glands cause heat rash, which results in a red pimply eruption on the head and neck. It’s important to dress your infant appropriately (not too hot and not too cold) to prevent the eruption. Generally, heat rash resolves on its own.
Epidermis and its appendages are not well differentiated at birth, particularly in cases of preterm infants which often leads to sweat retention phenomenon which are vesicular eruptions followed by maceration and obstruction of eccrine sweat glands as the ducts of the sweat glands are relatively immature.
They are more common in first few weeks. They are mainly of two types, milia crystalline (sudamina) are clear fluid filled pin point vesicles which are superficial and milia rubra (pricklyheat)is seen as small erythematous, macules, papules, vesicles or papulovesicular.
Bacteria on the skin can contribute towards infection of one or more hair follicles. A hair follicle is a part of skin or connective tissue that regulates hair growth. There are 3 different kinds of infections that are triggered with ulceration in follicles:
Folliculitis: State of inflammation of a hair follicle.
Furuncle(Boil): This is a form of infection of the hair follicle that settles deeper into the layers of skin. A small pile of white-yellow color pus (abscess) forms which is also known as a boil.
Carbuncle: This is characterized by cluster of ulcerated hair follicles with pus. A carbuncle is bigger and deeper than a furuncle.
One disturbing element about these skin infections is that these can appear anywhere on the skin where there is hair. The main cause of trigger is accumulation of excessive sweat and rubbing. It happens most often at the back of the neck, armpits, waist, groin, buttocks or face.
Bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is the most common cause of folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles in a child, while anyone can be at a risk to develop these contagion. Children may be more at risk if he or she
Has close contact with someone with furuncle, carbuncle or skin abscess
Has skin injuries, such as insect bites, cuts or scrapes
Has weak immune system or other skin infections
Is getting IV medicine
Has bathe in untreated hot tub or spa water
A single or group of skin lesions that are red, swollen, warm, leaky (pus) and painful indicate these infection. Affected person may also feel fever and chills with low blood pressure and fast heart beat.
Scabies is a common skin infection caused by tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of the skin and lay eggs which cause small itchy bumps and blisters over the whole body, more in axillae, groins, pubic area & genitals. The burrows may be short, reddish or darkened lines on the skin’s surface, especially around the wrists and between fingers. Scabies is infectious, and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or having sexual contact with someone who is infected with it. It is more common in nursing homes, nursing facilities, and child care centers.
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