What is - Skin Infections
Why Does Your Child Get Skin Infection?
Your child's defence system (immune system) is not fully developed till puberty and can catch infections.
What Are The Common Skin Infections?
These are:
- Bacterial infections producing blisters, pus or boils
- Viral infection showing lumps called warts, molluscum contagiosum; blisters like herpes simplex, shingles and chickenpox; rashes like measles
- Fungal infections like ringworm, candidiasis or tinea infections
- Parasites eg. scabies
Bacterial Infections
This is usually a staphylococcal infection. Antibiotics taken orally, or applied on the skin, is given.
Viral Infections
- A viral wart is treated by liquid nitrogen, a cold gas. You can use a corn plaster with salicylic acid
- Molluscum contagiosum, presents as small skin coloured lumps which require treatment
Chickenpox
Usually not a major problem, however with extensive cases, use an anti-viral drug called acyclovir for a few days.
Scabies
- This is an annoying problem caused by a mite, sarcopes. It causes itch and blisters on the hands and feet.
- Below 1 year, use permethrin cream, beyond a year of age, Derbac (malathione 5%) is preferred.
Contributed by
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth.
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