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Archive for the ‘Psoriasis’ Category

Heat Rash Skin Condition

Heat rash is also called miliaria. Heat rash is most common in babies and young infants when they become overheated.  This happens either because it is too warm outside or they are simply overdressed.  It could also be because they have a fever.  Miliaria profunda occurs in people who have experienced repeated episodes of prickly heat.

Prickly heat, which is also known as miliaria rubra, is the most common type of heat rash. In this form of heat rash, the sweat duct becomes red and inflamed and manifest as small bumps with a red halo around them. They can be found grouped together inside the folds of his or her skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.

Miliaria crystallina is another type of heat rash. In this particular rash the skin doesn’t get inflamed, leading to the standard appearance of small clear vesicles. These are without any redness or other symptoms.

If a rash blanches when pressure is put on it, this is an erythematous rash and is not usually an urgent problem. Erythematous skin rashes may be caused by any number of things such as a viral skin rash, eczema, diaper (nappy) rash, thrush, heat rash, slapped cheek disease and seborrheic dermatitis, which includes cradle cap. Other examples are Hand foot and mouth disease, which starts with red spots that blister and erythema toxicum is a rash most often seen in newborn babies.

If the rash does not blanch when pressed, it is called a petechial rash.  Seek medical attention urgently especially if the rash is appearing before your eyes or your child has a fever.  Not every petechial rash is serious but it could be a severe condition like meningococcal infection, so if your baby or toddler has a petechial rash, it s a good idea to get it checked out immediately.

A newborn’s skin is prone to rashes of all sorts, but luckily most of these rashes are harmless and go away on their own. Although heat rash is one of those that usually goes away on its own in a few days, some children do require treatment, which can include:

·         removing the child from the rash causing environment, such as dressing in less clothing, moving inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment, etc.

·         mild strength topical steroids, although these usually aren’t needed

·         calamine lotion

·         compresses with cool water

·         antibiotics for secondary infections

Roseola – Causes and Information

Roseola is a mild viral illness of sudden onset and short duration that most commonly affects young children. Roseola is most common in children 6 to 24 months of age. The average age is around 9 months. Less frequently, older children, teens, and adults may be infected.

Roseola was once called the sixth disease because it was the sixth disease young children typically developed and it lasted about six days. There is usually a rash associated with Roseola, but you will not see it at the onset. When the fever disappears, then the rash appears. The rash is mainly located on the neck and body, especially, the abdomen, trunk, and back, but it can also be on the arms and legs.

The rash appears as separate little raised dots (papules) or as a flat or macular rash. The skin is mildly red in color and temporarily blanches with pressure. The rash is not itchy or painful. It is not contagious. The rash lasts two to four days and does not return.

This illness is spread from person to person, most likely by transfer of oral secretions. Roseola is not very contagious. The incubation period between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms is nine to ten days. Roseola is primarily caused by a virus called human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and less commonly by human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7).  The viruses belong to the family of herpes viruses, but they do not cause the cold sores or genital infections that herpes simplex viruses can cause.

Roseola often begins with a sudden high fever usually 103 F to 105 F. The fever may last two to three days, although it can last as long as 8 days. The rapid increase in temperature may be the first sign of Roseola and often occurs before you realize that your child has a fever. The fever ends as suddenly as it occurs.

After the fever ends, a rosy pink rash may appear mostly on the trunk or torso, neck, and arms. The rash is not itchy and may last one to two days. In rare cases, a sore throat, stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.

A child with Roseola may appear fussy or irritable and may have a decreased appetite, but most children behave almost normally. If you wish to treat the fever, acetaminophen products like Tylenol and others can be used to lower a fever. Aspirin should never be used for fever in children or adolescents.

Baby Heat Rash

As suggested by the name, baby heat rash is triggered in some babies when they become overheated, either because they are overdressed or because it is just too hot outside. As they become hot and sweat, their sweat ducts become blocked and rupture.

Prickly heat, which is also known as miliaria rubra, is the most common type of heat rash. In this form of heat rash, the sweat duct becomes red and inflamed.  They look like small bumps with a red halo around them. These may cause a ‘prickling’ or stinging sensation. This type of heat rash may also cause mild itching. Usually found in areas under a child’s clothing, these bumps can be found grouped together inside the folds of the child’s skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Infants who wear a hat may also get a heat rash on their forehead and scalp.

Just like prickly heat, Miliaria crystallina is a type of heat rash that occurs when the sweat ducts become blocked and rupture. These sweat ducts are closer to the skin surface though and don’t get inflamed, leading to the classic appearance of small clear vesicles on the child’s skin, without any redness or other symptoms, typically on their neck, head, or upper chest. Try to prevent any scratching of the affected areas as this could lead to a secondary infection.

Most methods of preventing heat rash start with the goal of not allowing your child to get overheated and include things like dressing your child in weather appropriate, loose fitting clothing, so that he doesn’t get overheated. Another key factor is avoiding excessive heat and humidity when possible. Occlusive ointments, including moisturizers, or oil based products on a child’s skin, which can also block the sweat ducts should also be avoided.

Although heat rash usually goes away on its own in a few days, some children do require treatment, which can be as simple as removing the child from the environment that triggers the rash.  These include alternatives such as dressing in less clothing.  Moving the child inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment also goes a long way to easing their discomfort.  Mild strength topical steroids, although these usually aren’t needed can be used for treatment if necessary. Calamine lotion is another remedy often used on itchy baby heat rashes.  Another option to try is compresses with cool water.  In the event a secondary infection does occur, antibiotics will probably be needed to treat it.