Diagnosing and managing common skin diseases

Children’s developing immune systems often encounter various challenges from infective agents and allergens, making them susceptible to a range of skin diseases.

Dr. Heah Sheau Szu, Consultant Paediatric Dermatologist at Sunway Medical Centre, emphasises the need for accurate diagnosis to ensure proper treatment. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to ineffective or potentially harmful treatments, delaying recovery.

“All medical conditions, including children’s skin conditions, need to be managed with correct diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment and management plan,” added Dr Heah.

Common skin diseases among children

Several common skin diseases affect children, including Atopic Dermatitis (eczema), which is prevalent in up to 13% of Malaysian children and causes red, itchy, dry patches.

● Atopic Dermatitis (AD) – AD/eczema is a very common skin disease causing inflammation and irritation with itchy, red, and dry patches. It is the most common type of skin disease in children, impacting up to 13% Malaysian children.
● Sebaceous gland hyperplasia – presents as clusters of small white yellowish pimple-like lesions around the nose and cheek areas of infants which happens due to maternal or endogenous androgenic stimulation of the sebaceous gland growth.
● “Salmon patch”/“Angel kiss”/“Stork–bite mark” – these are interesting names given to benign vascular lesions usually at the forehead, glabella and nape of the neck. This birthmark is asymptomatic and will fade with time.
● Bullous impetigo – is an infectious skin condition presented as fluid-filled blisters often on the chest, back, shoulders, abdomen, arms and legs of children below 5 years old. It commonly occurs following secondary bacterial infection of insect bites, chicken pox, scabies and eczema.
● Molluscum contagiosum – It is a viral skin infection that leads to small, flesh-coloured dome shaped like skin bumps which are near together.
● Scabies – A contagious parasitic infection that causes severe itching and scaly rash on fingers, web spaces, wrists, axilla and groin.
● Diaper rash – A common skin condition at diaper area resulting from prolonged skin irritation from exposure to faeces, urine and friction.

Importance of correct diagnosis

Dr. Heah stresses the significance of accurate diagnosis for children’s skin conditions. Correct diagnosis leads to appropriate treatment and management plans.

Skin diseases like salmon patch and sebaceous gland hyperplasia are not infectious and often resolve naturally. On the other hand, infectious conditions like scabies require treatment for the entire family

Dr. Heah offers general guidelines for managing skin diseases, recommending caregivers to seek medical advice when uncertain. It’s crucial to follow the doctor’s treatment plan, avoid scratching, and maintain cleanliness and dryness in the infected area.

“ It is also best for the child to be dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting outfits to avoid friction to the infected area,” continued Dr Heah.

Sunway Medical Centre, with 22 paediatric subspecialties, is committed to continuous medical education in paediatrics. The SunMed Paediatric Symposium 2023 attracted over 4,200 healthcare professionals from Malaysia and other countries.

The event focused on a multidisciplinary approach to paediatric disease management, emphasising the importance of expert care for children. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for managing children’s skin disorders, ensuring they receive the best care for their conditions.