Chicken Pox
Chicken Pox
Chicken pox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella virus. Chicken pox is a disease of childhood and ninety percent of cases occur in children aged fourteen years and younger. Chicken pox can occur at any time, but occurs most often in March, April, and May in warmer climates. Chicken pox is typically diagnosed clinically based on the history of viral symptoms and the characteristic appearance of the rash. However, sometimes chicken pox can be confused with herpes simplex, impetigo, insect bites, or scabies.
Most people are aware of the rash, but chicken pox starts out looking just like a common cold. Runny nose, sneezing, cough, and fever are typical first symptoms of chicken pox. Three to five days later the rash shows up.
The rash itself appears as dots ranging from the size of an eraser head to about the size of a dime. Within each of these dots is a fluid filled vesicle which may pop over the course of the following days. The lesions may be painful, itch, or not be bothersome at all. They may be found anywhere on the skin, in the mouth and within the vaginal area and even unseen within the penis. Urination may be painful because of this.
The most contagious time occurs when the person is manifesting the cold-like symptoms. This happens usually two to five days before the rash appears. As a result the time in which someone is most contagious occurs before the person even knows he has chicken pox. After the rash appears, the person is infectious for about five days or until all the lesions have begun crusting over.
Humans are the only animals that get chicken pox. So the only way to catch it is by being around a person who is infected. The virus is spread through secretions and by tiny droplets, so sharing saliva, sneezing, and coughing are good ways to pass the virus from one person to another.
Children with immune problems can have significant problems if infected with chicken pox. These include those children infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, those with cancer, those on steroids for other illnesses, and newborn babies.
There is not a lot that can be done to completely eliminate the symptoms once a child is infected with chicken pox. Most treatment is then aimed at trying to alleviate the pain, itch, and fever associated with chicken pox.
Toddler Rashes
Toddler Rashes
Toddler rashes can be symptoms of many different ailments. It is hard to determine exactly what it may be unless a visit to the pediatrician is planned. By doing a little research you may be able to get a general idea of what potentially could be causing the rash.
Diaper rash, Fifth disease Scarlet fever, Roseola, Eczema and Hives are all childhood afflictions very frequent in newborns and toddlers. Unfortunately, diaper rash is common until a child is completely out of diapers. The skin may become red and itchy and your toddler may be irritable. It can be treated easily.
A symptom of fifth disease is a pink or red rash that may look like lace. It appears on the cheeks and/or arms. Fifth disease needs to be treated by a doctor. Scarlet fever often accompanies strep throat and a fever. The rash will likely feel rough and may or may not be felt by the toddler.
Roseola is a red rash that generally follows the breaking of a fever due to a viral infection. It is not serious. Eczema is a broad term used for skin rashes of different natures. It often occurs in toddlers with sensitive skin. Triggers may be identified by the parent or a pediatrician and treated. Hives may appear as a rash or welts on the skin. These are often caused by an allergic reaction. They can be serious and may require a visit to the doctor.
Heat rash is also known as prickly heat or summer rash. It is one of the most common toddler rashes. It is an eruption of little bumps on the skin that can show up when a child overheats. The bumps may appear red, especially on light skin. Heat rash is not painful but it can be very itchy and annoying. It also is a sign that your toddler is over heated.
Symptoms to watch for are a pimply rash on neck, chest, stomach, back, under arms, or near edges of diaper or clothing. Tiny blisters will also accompany this rash. If your toddler gets too warm or has too many layers of clothing on and develops a rash you can start by cooling your toddler off. Loosen or remove any clothing. Move the toddler into a cool room or a shady spot. Allow your child to air dry instead of rubbing him with a towel. Using ointments or creams on the rash is not recommended. These can make the toddler rash worse.
Heat Rash Babies
Heat Rash Babies
Most bumps and blotches on a newborn baby are harmless and clear up by themselves. A rash is any skin bumps or blotches. The rash can be red, skin-colored, or slightly lighter or darker than skin color. By far the most common skin problem in infants is diaper rash.
Another common skin problem that occurs with babies is heat rash. With heat rash babies pores of the sweat glands become blocked. This generally happens when the weather is hot or humid. As the infant sweats little red bumps and possibly tiny blisters form because the blocked glands cannot clear the sweat. When the weather is hot or humid, the infant sweats, but because of the blockage of the sweat glands, this sweat is held within the skin and forms little red bumps, or occasionally small blisters in young infants.
Some helpful suggestions to avoid heat rash are during the hot season dress your baby in light-weight, soft, cotton clothing. Cotton is very absorbent and keeps moisture away from the baby’s skin. If air conditioning is not available a fan may help evaporate moisture and cool the infant. Place the fan far enough away that there is only a gentle breeze drifting over the infant. Avoid the use of powders, creams, and ointments. Baby powders don’t improve or prevent heat rash. Creams and ointments tend to keep the skin warmer and block the pores. Most often, heat rash goes away on its own. Severe forms of heat rash may need medical care, but the best way to relieve symptoms is to cool your skin and prevent sweating.
Heat rash is also known as prickly heat and miliaria and it does not just affect babies. Though it’s most common in infants, heat rash affects up to a third of adults living in tropical climates and can bother anyone during hot, humid weather. Heat rash develops when your sweat ducts become blocked and perspiration is trapped under your skin. Symptoms range from superficial blisters to deep, red lumps. Some forms of heat rash can be intensely itchy or prickly.
Heat rash usually heals on its own and doesn’t require medical care. See your doctor if you or your child has symptoms that last longer than three or four days, the rash seems to be getting worse or there are signs of infection such as increased pain, swelling, redness or warmth around the affected area or pus draining from the sores. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, neck or groin and fever or chills are all warning signs of a more serious condition.
